
GlassX V ifrft 
Book — 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Prayers for 
The Quiet Hour 



By 

FLOYD W. TOMKINS, S. T.D., LL.D. 

Author of" My Best Friend," "Beacons 
on Life's Voyage" etc. 





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United Society of Christian Endeavor 
Boston and Chicago 



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Copyright, 19 10, by the 
United Society of Christian Endeavor 



>CLA2?1 



Dedicated to 
s 
The Comrades of the 

§>uiet Hour 



Preface 

THROUGH personal experience 
and through my conversations 
with those who regularly keep the 
" Quiet Hour " I am led to believe that, 
next to the Bible and to voluntary prayer, 
great help is afforded by simple prayers 
which can be read, and mentally prayed as 
read, in connection with the worship of the 
individual soul. Often the mind is too 
confused or weary to frame its own desires 
and emotions. Often the spirit needs a 
suggestion that shall lift it up towards God, 
and often the words of another who has had 
a common experience and struggle can 
bring peace when all else seems to fail. 
There are many books of prayers published, 
some of them most excellent, but they are 
largely a compilation of ancient prayers or 
collects, which, though beautiful, do not 
quite touch the needs and emotions of 
5 



6 Preface 

modern life. Therefore this little book is 
sent out with the belief, the hope, and the 
prayer that it may be of service in making 
the " Quiet Hour " real and blessed. 

These prayers were prayed as they were 
written. They are not literary productions, 
but the real and deep expression of the 
writer's feelings as he approached his Mas- 
ter. All of them have appeared in con- 
nection with Christian Endeavor meetings. 
Many of them were published in the 
Christian Endeavor World, and some in 
articles written on the u Topics " for the 
Philadelphia Public Ledger. 

The writer would suggest their being 
freely used as a part of the morning and 
evening devotion. It was at first suggested 
that one prayer should be given for each 
day in the year, but this seemed to run the 
risk of formality. For the same reason 
headings or titles are only generally used, 
as the prayers are the simple outpouring of 
a hungry heart to a loving Christ. The use 
of them is best left to the Christian as he 
has need, and feels the cry of his heart sat- 
isfied. 



Preface 7 

May God graciously bless this little book 
to the comforting and strengthening of the 
dear Comrades of the Quiet Hour. 

Floyd W. Tomkins. 

Philadelphia, April i, lgio. 



Grouping of Prayers 

I. Prayers of Aspiration 

II. Confession of Sin and Weakness 

III. Prayers of Consecration 

IV. Prayers for Strength 

V. Prayers for Faith 

VI. Prayers for Peace 

VII. Prayers for Grace 

VIII. Prayers for ^Iappiness 

IX. Prayers Regarding the Bible 

X. Prayers for Church and Public 

Worship 

XI. Prayers for Home 

XII. Prayers for Our Country . 

XIII. Prayers for Missions . 

XIV. Prayers for Special Occasions 



ii 

43 

59 
109 

137 
149 

161 

167 

173 

181 
189 

*95 

199 

211 



I 

Prayers of Aspiration 



Prayers for 
The Quiet Hour 



Prayers of Aspiration 

DEAR GOD of love, my Friend, my 
Master, my King, my Christ, wilt 
Thou not grant me this greatest 
and best of gifts, even Thine own nature ? 
Thou alone canst give it, and it is dear to me 
because it comes from Thee. O, in the 
ways of my life which are often strange and 
hard, wilt Thou not cause Thy love to shine 
forth, that I may see and understand ? 
Come and breathe over the past, and wash 
away all that I tremble to remember, all 
the follies and failures of past years. In- 
spire me with courage that I may do my 
work and live my life for Thee and by 
Thee, whether men praise or blame. And 
make me, Thou Christ of love, a victor in 

J 3 



14 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

the battle, a conqueror in the strife, a child 
of Thine having but one allegiance and one 
desire, but one end and one purpose, that I 
may love Thee as Thou hast loved me. 
And may Thy love so work in me and by 
me that the world may profit by my life, 
and the hearts of men be drawn to Thee. 
I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Saviour, lead Thou me on. Take 
the past and purify and bless it. Guide me 
into the future, and help me to meet its 
needs and its calls bravely. Step by step, 
hour by hour, may I walk with Thee. And 
if I lose sight of Thee through any peril or 
sin, still do Thou hold me fast, and keep 
me, until I enter that home where time 
shall be no more. Amen. 



Dear King, bring me to Thy holy 
hill and to Thy dwelling ! I turn my back 
on sin. I ask Thee to draw me from those 
who care not for Thee, for I know I must 
be separate. Open my eyes that I may see 
the way. Bind me yet more closely to 



Prayers of Aspiration 15 

those who are journeying with me, and 
let us encourage one another. And at 
last open the gate — nay, my King, for 
Thou art the gate and the light — open 
Thine arms, and take me and my dear fel- 
low strugglers in ; and we shall all be safe 
and happy forever. Amen and amen. 



Dear Lord, I thank Thee for Thy love, 
a love so great that it can touch the heart 
and purify the life. Help me to love Thee 
much since Thou hast forgiven me much, 
And may my love for Thee be the comfort 
and inspiration of all my days. For Thine 
own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I love Thy kingdom. I 
know it has not yet gained the victory, 
but I am ready to help in bringing the 
victory. O, take me and make me ready 
and earnest, loyal and loving. What a 
dear King Thou art, O Christ! I love 
Thee ! I love Thee ! Help me in my 
study of life. Help me when at last the 
graduation comes and I am a master. And, 



1 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

dear Jesus, I pray Thee lead men to know 
Thee and all the blessedness of Thy king- 
dom, so that they too may enter, and call 
Thee their King, and learn the sweet mys- 
teries of Thy service. Amen. 



Blessed Lord and God of us all, upon 
Thee would we build, and upon Thy love 
would we stand immovable. We praise 
Thee for the safety and the help which 
come from the knowledge of Thy eter- 
nal steadfastness. O Thou blessed rock, 
Thou mountain fastness, Thou eternal ref- 
uge, Thou headstone of the corner, let me 
press and cling and trust to Thee. Thy 
love can never fail. Thy mercy, O Christ, 
is as the dew. May all my works be 
founded on Thee; may my life grow up 
from Thee ; may I always be Thine. Amen. 



Ah, dear Lord, I cannot live unless I 
pray. Teach me to pray. Teach me how 
to talk to Thee and find in Thee all I need 
and all I long for. Thou art ever near, and 
to be alone with Thee, who only canst un- 



Prayers af Aspiration ij 

derstand, is peace. Thou art loving, and 
Thy love calms me when I am anxious and 
full of unrest. Thou art my only help, and 
from Thee alone comes the forgiveness 
which my soul craves. Open Thine arms, 
and receive me. Let not my faults cause 
Thy love to grow cold ; let not my igno- 
rance cause Thy pity to change to impa- 
tience. And let me never seek to find 
peace and comfort anywhere or in any- 
thing save at Thy feet. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



My dear God, how my heart goes out to 
Thee with praises that I cannot utter ! The 
thought of Thy watchful care, of Thine un- 
ceasing guidance, is almost beyond expres- 
sion. I know how Thou dost love me, and I 
know, too, that Thy love is so big and great 
that it takes me up and recreates me. O, 
make me to act bravely even as I trust im- 
plicitly. Show me more and more Thy 
will and Thy way, that I may find it easy to 
understand how Thou art leading me. Even 
in darkness may I rejoice because I know 
Thou art making me a man through the 



1 8 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

stress of experience, and may the knowl- 
edge of Thy never-failing care give me a 
calm courage and a brave endurance which 
shall make me persevere to the very end. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear King, at last to reign victorious 
over a perfect world, come near and give 
me comfort and inspiration. Though the 
way be long and the conflict fierce, let me 
not fall or falter. Though I die without 
the sight, yet, I beseech Thee, let the seed I 
sow in tears bring sometime and somewhere 
a harvest. Fill my work with Thy loving 
power. Make me love men as Thou didst 
and still dost love them. Keep ever before 
me the vision of righteousness. Then I can 
bear the struggle, however hard and long, 
for I know Thou wilt not fail at last to 
bring peace. Amen, Lord Jesus, amen. 



Blessed forever be Thy holy name, O 
my King and my God, for all Thou art to 
me and for all Thou hast done for me. I 
thank Thee for life and work, for friends 



Prayers of Aspiration 19 

and for religion. Thou art good indeed to 
Thy child. But, Jesus, my best friend, I 
thank Thee most for the things which are 
hard, for the lonely way and for the aching 
heart ; I know they mean most for me here 
and hereafter. Help me to love Thee and 
trust Thee always. And then let me join 
in the endless praise which at last shall roll 
around Thy throne as Thy children with 
open eyes see at last how Thou hast loved 
with a wonderful love. Amen. 



Lord, I know not how to pray. My 
sins oppress me, and my ignorance frightens 
me, and my weakness holds me back. Yet 
I come and throw myself at Thy feet, know- 
ing that in spite of my sins and ignorance 
and weakness Thou wilt open Thine arms 
and welcome me. Let me rest near Thee 
for a while until I am quiet from these 
earthly alarms and free from these human 
fears. Take me, dear Jesus, not because I 
am worthy, — for I am most unworthy, — but 
because I am Thy child. Didst Thou not 
die for me ? Hast Thou not redeemed me 
with Thy precious blood ? Hast Thou not 



20 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

given me a new name, which only Thou 
and I can know ? I would fain lie here 
and just look into Thy dear face, and call 
Thee Jesus, my Friend, my Saviour, my 
Christ Bless me, O bless me, that I may 
live and not die. Amen. 



Blessed Christ, how Thou dost arouse 
my desires by the sweetness of Thy message ! 
Can there be anything dearer than to love 
Thee, and to know that Thou dost love me ? 
O, let me live for Thee. May nothing hide 
Thee from me, but may all Thy gifts to me 
sound a harmony in which Thy name shall 
be praised and Thy goodness to Thy chil- 
dren be told. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I love Thee, I love Thee ! 
And I love Thee more for all the beauties 
of Thy world which tell of Thee. And I 
love Thee most for that Thou didst live on 
this earth and didst die amidst its flowers 
that I might enter the life which knows no 
ending. O, make me rejoice in the re- 
deemed life which through Thee I now 



Prayers of Aspiration 2 1 

live. Teach me how endless and how ever 
more glorious my life is to be. Unite me 
with the tenderest of ties to my friends, 
since we are never to be separated ; and in 
all the beauty of this redeemed earth let me 
see Thee and hear Thy voice. Amen, my 
Christ, my Lord. Amen. 



Dear Lord, into Thy presence I come, 
and the sounds of earth's confusion grow 
dim, and the fears and pains of the struggle 
are forgotten, for I am alone with Thee. 
Help me to stand alone for Thee in the 
midst of the battle as well, and to know no 
will but Thine. Grant me courage and 
knowledge, that I may gain strength and 
power. And by whatsoever means it may 
please Thee to use, draw me into the secret 
of Thy peace. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Lord of nature, who hast made the 
flowers to praise and proclaim Thee, make 
me through their sweetness to see and 
know Thee better. Let me trust Thee to 
provide for me. Let me seek the beauty 



22 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

which Thy goodness nestling in my heart 
alone can give. Teach me from the multi- 
tude of lives to know Thine infinite care for 
each single life. And O, let me read a 
message, not of sadness, but of gladness, in 
the withering flower, which dies but for a 
while, and then comes back with a new song 
as from Thy very throne to tell me of Thy 
undying love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



O dear Lord, Thou art my all in all. To 
Thee I look ever for aid and blessing. With 
Thee I leave my past, to forgive and to finish ; 
in Thy hand I trust my future, for Thou 
knowest best. Only, O Father, keep me 
day by day near to Thyself until my last 
hour, and then take me to live with Thee, 
where years never end, and where night 
never comes. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear King of glory, let me see Thy glory 
now, even while I am on earth. Open my 
senses to all the pure joys which are now 
mine and which, because Thou dost send 
them, tell me of Thy care. Help me to 



Prayers of Aspiration 23 

bring this dear world back to Thee, for Thou 
dost love it. Speak to me, for I know Thou 
art ever near, though these eyes of flesh are 
holden that I cannot see Thee. And show 
me how to find heaven on earth while I see 
the goodness and mercy that follow me and 
surround me. So shall I be fitted at last to 
go up higher and see Thee face to face. 
Amen, Lord Jesus, amen. 



Dear Lord of all men, in the love of Thy 
fatherhood let me learn the law of brother- 
hood. And in dealing with men, O teach 
me how to represent Thee on earth wor- 
thily and lovingly. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, teach me how to worship in 
spirit and in truth. I am human and know 
not how to approach Thee as Thou shouldst 
be approached. And yet I cannot fear, for 
Thou lookest at my heart and dost know 
how sincere I am. Teach me to be silent 
and to listen for Thy voice. Teach me to be 
unselfish and forget myself in the needs of 



24 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

others. Teach me to be consistent, that my 
life may be as earnest as my prayers. And 
0, let me open my emotions with all my 
strength before Thee, that I may find rest in 
tears and songs alike, and know peace in 
answer to the crying hunger of my soul. 
Hear me, my Christ, in spite of all my 
failures, and bring me near to Thyself, and 
keep me there forever. Amen. 



How wonderful is Thy love for Thine 
erring and foolish child, O Christ ! It led 
Thee to die for me. It leads Thee to live 
in my life. It shines like the sunlight 
around me, and it glows like fire in my 
soul. I am Thy child ! That is enough 
for me. Unworthy though I am of Thy care 
and interest ; forgetful though I must be M 
since I am human, of Thy power ; yet will 
I rest me in Thy comfort and find my 
peace in Thy goodness. Only, dear Jesus 
let me not be content in Thy mercy with- 
out an effort to lead others to Thee. May 
my trust in Thee and Thine help given to 
me make me most diligent to reflect Thy 
glory upon the dark ways of the world. 



Prayers of Aspiration 25 

May Thy care for me make me care for 
others, and Thy redeeming pity turn my 
heart to merciful dealings amongst my fel- 
lows. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord of heaven and earth and sea, 
I thank Thee for the waters which surround 
the world and for the glory of the ocean. It 
is Thine, for Thou hast made it, and Thou 
rulest its waves and in the storm speakest, 
" Peace, be still," to its ragings, and the still- 
ness comes. Teach me, dear Friend, how 
Thou dost unite Thy children to each other 
and to Thyself. Let Thy friendship make 
me glad, and Thy goodness cause me to 
know Thee. And O, as Thou art ever so 
loyal to me, Thine unworthy child, so make 
me loyal to Thee forever. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, I thank Thee for all Thou 
art, and all Thou hast ever done and art still 
doing. For all the good things that come 
to me, for all the experiences of my life, 
whether of sunshine or shadow, for all the 



26 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

better things I anticipate, I bless Thee with 
my whole heart. Make my gratitude, dear 
Jesus, a part of my nature, so that I may in 
everything give thanks, and know that, how- 
ever disguised the gifts of Thy love may 
be, they are still always from Thee and 
filled with Thy dear truth. Amen. 



Dear Lord of life, my glorious Christ, 
before whom angels now sing in joy be- 
cause of Thy victory over sin and death, 
teach me how to rest in Thy way, and make 
me new in strength and courage through 
the many dear things which Thou dost 
grant me. Make me Thine indeed, that so 
my happiness may be well grounded. Help 
me to be glad, that I may work better for 
Thee. Guard me from false delights, and 
bring me nearer to Thyself in all that Thou 
givest of sunshine and cheer, so that, as 
Thou didst pass from the cries of " Hosanna " 
to the shouts of " Crucify/' and yet didst 
not falter, so I may pass through life's trials 
without fear because Thy light is on them 
all. For the sake of Thy dying love I ask 
this, my Jesus. Amen. 



Prayers of Aspiration 27 

Dear Lord, King of nations, who makest 
the heathen to praise Thee, turn my face 
toward Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and 
let Thy dear face lighten my darkness. 
Give me hope and energy and love, that I 
may draw near to Thee and hear Thee even 
when the billows roll and the night is dark. 
For, as Thou dost call the peoples of the 
earth to new light, so I know Thou dost 
call me from the loneliness of error to the 
peace of Thy presence. Let me never lose 
sight of Thee, my King and my Sun ; but 
draw me even unto the gates of gold and 
the haven of rest. Amen. 



Dear Lord, wise Master-builder, chief 
worker of all, let me learn how to glorify 
Thee in my daily toil. Make me respon- 
sible and prompt, honest and systematic, in 
all that I do. Speak to me as I toil, lest I 
forget that Thou art near. Fill me with the 
joy of work, that joy which comes from 
knowing I am working for Thee and that 
Thou art working with me. Let me never 
grow tired or sad, but keep me hopeful and 
earnest, so that I may be amongst those 



28 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

who at last, having washed their robes and 
made them white in the blood of the Lamb, 
shall serve Thee day and night in Thy 
temple. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Father, my Father, the Father of 
my Lord Jesus Christ, make me truly Thy 
child in spirit and in love, that I may with 
a clear heart know Thee in this Thy divine 
relationship to me. Let me be ashamed to 
be afraid of Thee or to doubt Thee. Let 
me rejoice in Thy holiness and Thy love, 
that I may share therein. Teach me Thy 
power and Thy fellowship, that I may not 
tremble in loneliness or in battle. And 
when at last Thou dost call me to come 
nearer, then let Thy Son and my Saviour 
take me by the hand and lead me to Thee 
as His redeemed one. For His sake I ask 
it. Amen. 



Dear God, my life, my days, my work, 
are Thine. Thou hast made me, and given 
me my years to live and my work to do. 
O, as I end each period of my life, and pass 



Prayers of Aspiration 29 

each landmark that proves Thy love, and 
note each mile-stone that brings me nearer 
home, let me be fired with ever new en- 
thusiasm and vigor and devotion. May I 
work for Thee and journey towards Thee. 
May I seek to bring humanity and the 
world to Thee, and declare ever Thy truth. 
May my daily steps be joyful steps as I 
look upward and follow Thee, my blessed 
Leader. And at last, O dear Christ, at last 
may I enter Thy kingdom, and find time 
swallowed up in eternity, as I kneel before 
Thee and go no more out. Amen. Amen. 



O my dear Friend, my Maker, my 
Father, my Christ, I thank Thee that I, a 
poor human child, can commune with Thee, 
the infinite God. How dear is Thy pres- 
ence ! How precious are Thy words ! How 
glorious is Thy worship ! How constant Thy 
love ! Let my heart rest upon Thee al- 
ways. In the hurry and worry of my life 
call me near to Thee that I may have peace. 
In the pressure of temptation flood Thy 
glorious light about me that the sin may 
flee away. In the hours of my loneliness 



30 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

let my ears be quick to hear Thy tender 
message, and in the days when my pain is 
great and my agony bitter, touch me, 
that I may know Thee near. And at last 
let the spiritual within me burn out the car- 
nal, that I may indeed be changed, and 
wake up eternally after Thy likeness. For 
Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I love Thee, I worship Thee, 
I praise Thee, I give thanks to Thee for all 
Thou art and for all Thou hast ever been to 
me. Nothing but praise can touch my lips 
when I think of all Thou hast said and done ; 
nothing but thanks can find speech when I 
hear to what Thou dost call me. I thank 
Thee for my life, that Thou didst call me 
out of space to exist forever as Thine own 
son. I thank Thee for friendships which 
bind Thy children together and make them 
one in love and service. I thank Thee for 
my work, that I may share Thy great 
creative power and enter into the fulness of 
the mystery of Thy holy toil. I thank 
Thee above all else for the revelation of 
Thyself to me, so that I can know Thee 



Prayers of Aspiration 31 

and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. O 
may my heart this day be glad, even 
though perchance clouds and darkness may 
for a moment shadow me. Make me to be 
grateful because Thou dost call me to live 
for Thee. May my living create my praise, 
my life be one with my gratitude. And, 
dear Lord, as I see Thee, and hear Thee, 
and realize more and more Thy goodness, 
may my nature grow into the purity of 
Thy nature, and my heart be knit to Thine. 
For Jesus 1 sake. Amen. 



O blessed Spirit, I thank Thee for Thy 
guidance. Through the conflict and confu- 
sion of life Thou dost so quietly lead that I 
almost lose sight of Thee in the glory of 
the vision which Thou dost give me. Help 
me more and more to know my dear Lord. 
Open to me the very depths of the works 
of my God, that I may see Him and His love 
and His wisdom. Reveal in the dearest of 
books those rich things which shall make me 
a very part of my Father, entering into His 
counsel and knowing His truth. Teach me, 
O blessed Spirit, the secret of obedience, 



32 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

that no law or fear may compel me, but only 
the love of Him who thus asks me to draw 
near to Him. And may my life grow calm 
and rich and full and free through this divine 
friendship, so that I may walk with my God 
in peace and strength. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



My best Friend, in whose friendship all 
other friendships become possible, I pray 
Thee teach me how to love. May the 
tenderness and the constancy of my affec- 
tion prove that it is from Thee. May its 
generous strength and its power to exalt 
impress with its divine nature. And O, 
whether I have many friends or few on 
earth, let me count Thee as my Friend, dear 
Lord, and seek, through Thee, to help and 
bless men everywhere. Amen. 



Dear, dear Lord, my strength, my stay, 
my comfort, how could I live without Thee, 
and how could I do anything unless Thou 
didst help me ? I bless and praise Thee, 
dear Father, for Thy goodness. O, may I 



Prayers of Aspiration 33 

rely upon Thee more. Make me to realize 
my own emptiness, that Thou mayest fill 
me with Thine own might. Let me trust 
Thee always and everywhere, that I may 
never hurt Thee by doubts or fears. And 
make me to rejoice in Thy love, that out of 
this human living may burst the divine liv- 
ing which sings Thy praises unceasingly. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I would worship Thee, and 
Thee only. Take away all that seeks to 
usurp Thy place in my heart and life. 
Keep me from idols. Let not wealth or 
business or pleasure hide Thy dear face or 
dull my ears to Thy dear voice. Thee only 
would I serve. Therefore come Thou very 
near that in all I possess I may see Thy 
confidence and so use it for Thee ; that in 
all my work I may mark Thy call and so 
work with Thee ; that in all my pleasures I 
may feel Thy touch and so make the work 
happier through my own happiness. So 
shall I love Thee, and keep near to Thee, 
and at last see Thee, my Lord, my Master, 
my Christ, face to face. Amen. 



34 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Blessed Lord, how dear to me is this life 
of preparation for greater tasks and larger 
opportunities ! Every effort I make seems 
to fit me for something richer and higher. 
The delight of my struggle is the knowl- 
edge that I have a nobler struggle yet be- 
fore me. For this sunshine of enthusiasm I 
thank Thee, dear Master. Help me to see 
more and more what life means. Grant me 
a real expression of all the truth Thou hast 
revealed to me. Make me full of loving 
friendship and hearty joy, and so fit me for 
ever dearer work for Thee here, and at last 
bid me come to Thy side and work con- 
sciously near Thee in Thine own home. 
Amen. 



Dear Father, ah, how can I tell Thee 
how I long for Thee, how my heart is rest- 
less away from Thee, and how my life finds 
its barrenness made rich only when I hold 
Thy dear hand and serve Thee ? Forgive 
me that I have not loved Thee as my God 
ought to be loved. Forgive me that I have 
measured Thy commands as if they were 
threats. Forgive me that I have been 



Prayers of Aspiration 35 

peevish under restraints which were only 
meant to hold me till I could understand 
Thy ways better. May my life, through 
Jesus, be consecrated to Thee, and find in 
Thy care the sunshine and peace for which 
it pines, and may my heart always and 
everywhere be truly, only Thine. Amen. 
Amen. 



Dear Master, Thou meek and self- 
denying Jesus, make me like Thyself, for 
I cannot make myself like Thee. Take 
from me all poor self-consciousness torment- 
ing me with fear, and all despair causing 
me to forget my high calling. Fill me with 
great knowledge that in Thy blessed truth 
I myself may be hidden, and call me to Thy 
service that in doing Thy will self may be 
consumed and I may live only as Thou dost 
live in me. Let me learn to live as Thou 
didst live on earth, by the power of right- 
eous love. Make my life rich for others 
and towards Thee and poor in my own eyes. 
Yea, dear Christ, take self from me, and let 
me know nothing but Thee and Thy work. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



36 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

Dear Lord, I would hold Thee first, for 
Thou only art worthy. Let me always 
look upward to Thee, and rest upon Thee, 
and desire nothing and be restless for noth- 
ing save Thine approval. Give me in my 
living that order which shall place my 
Master first and all else second. Give me 
the power so to live that my days may 
press ever in one direction, even towards 
Thee and Thy righteous kingdom. And, 
O dear Jesus, keep my heart pure, that I 
may do all and work all for Thy sake and 
with a desire to forward Thy kingdom. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



O my Christ, I worship and love Thee 
as my Saviour, my Friend, my God ! What 
can I say to express my desire for Thee 
and my longing to become like Thee? 
How can I tell Thee as I would of my grati- 
tude for all Thou hast done and art ever 
doing for me and for the world? Make 
me, I pray Thee, Thine own child. Seek 
me when I wander ; save me from sin ; lead 
me in the right way. When I feel alone, 
then speak Thou, that I may be cheered by 



Prayers of Aspiration 37 

Thy voice. When I am heavy-hearted, call 
me by name, that I may be assured of Thine 
unchanging confidence. When I am dis- 
heartened, touch me, that Thy virtue may 
enter into me and I may go forward. And 
let me never, never forget Thee or fail to 
love Thee, dear Lord. Amen. 



O dear Lord, I do thank Thee for all 
Thy countless mercies to me and mine, to 
my church, and to my land. But above all 
I thank Thee for Jesus Christ, who has told 
me of my Father and given me grace to 
love Him. Help me that my life may be a 
constant declaration of thanksgiving, and 
that I may try to do much for others, even 
as Thou hast done so much for me. Amen. 



Ah, Lord, Thou seest my emptiness, and 
how long I have sought to feed my hungry 
soul with human things, and in vain. Now 
fill me with Thyself, for only Thou canst 
satisfy. Pour into me the completeness of 
Thy nature, that I may not take the half, 
but the whole. Make me able to continue 



38 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

through the constancy of Thy grace. Make 
me good with Thine own goodness. And, 
O my Friend, keep me every day that I 
thirst no more nor hunger any more, but 
that, finding in Thee my joy, I may go on 
in the way that leads to Thee and Thy 
home. Amen. 



Blessed be Thy name forever, O Lord, 
for all Thy mercies to me and mine, to the 
land we love, and to the world we serve. 
For all Thou art and for all Thou hast done 
I yield Thee from my heart rich thanks and 
fitting praise. May my life join with my 
lips, and my days prove my gratitude, until 
at last I enter into the eternal sanctuary, 
and sing of Thee before Thy throne. 
Amen. Amen. 



How can I thank Thee, O my Jesus, that 
Thou hast made possible for me this blessed- 
ness of prayer ? In Thy name I come, 
pleading Thy love, Thy life, Thy cross ; and 
the door is opened to me, and my request is 
heard ! Let me pray with all the fervor of 



Prayers of Aspiration 39 

my poor heart. Teach me to find relief in 
prayer, that I may rest in peace. Show me 
the fellowship of devotion, that I may love 
men more because Thou dost so love me. 
Give me power, that after I have prayed I 
may work without fear. Show me Thy 
glory that I may be content, and O, above 
all else, teach me how to pray, how to pour 
out my soul and my heart's desires before 
Thee, that I may live with Thee constantly 
on earth, and at last enter into heaven, and 
see Thee face to face. Amen and amen. 



O my Lord, my Friend, my divine and 
loved Physician, to Thee I come for healing. 
In my weariness and pain of mind and body 
and spirit I seek Thee, and I never seek in 
vain. Help me to try to do for others in my 
poor, weak way what Thou hast done for 
me. May Thy love and power and fellow- 
ship be the themes of my message whether 
I speak with my mouth to Thy children or 
touch them gently with my hand. Above all, 
let me know I am ministering to Thee in all 
I do. And at last let me hear Thee say — 
O dear Lord, let me hear Thee say — while I 



40 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

hide my face and humbly fall at Thy feet, 
those precious words the sound of which 
alone will make heaven for me, " Thou 
didst it unto Me." Amen, my Lord, 
amen. 



Dear Father, eternal, everlasting, and 
yet dwelling in the hearts of Thy children, 
make me to know Thee even as Thou dost 
know me. Let me not banish Thee from 
my life or place Thee afar off. Let me not 
go on in a lonely struggle, when Thou art 
waiting to be my companion. In faith, in 
obedience, in friendship, let me hold Thy 
hand, and follow Thy will, and rejoice in 
Thy care, and at last enter into Thy home 
which Thou hast prepared for all who will 
come. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



My King, my Master, my Christ, to whom 
shall I go save unto Thee ? Whom can I 
follow save Thee ? By what will can I find 
my way save Thy will? O, I would do — 
and here I tell Thee so with all the strength 
of my soul — I would do whatever Thou 



Prayers of Aspiration 41 

wouldst have me do. Give me love that I 
may do it from the heart. Give me courage 
that I may do it without fear, let it cost what 
it may. Give me quickness of action that I 
weaken not my will by my slow body ; and 
grant me hope, that, seeing Thee always, 
hearing Thy voice, and knowing Thy power, 
and catching the strains of Thy victorious 
song, I may go forward after Thee, and 
never, never fail to walk in Thy steps. And 
so do Thou lead me until I see heaven, and 
Thee waiting at the golden gate to welcome 
me, and not me alone, but the world for 
which Thou didst die and which I have 
striven in Thy name to bless. Amen. 



Blessed God, Ruler and Father of things 
and of men, I adore Thee and thank Thee. 
Poor though my life may be, it finds its 
richness in Thy love. Weak though my 
deeds may be, they are a part of Thine 
eternal working. I praise Thee for all 
Thou hast given me in the world of joy and 
goodness and friendship. I praise Thee for 
my life, my manhood, my opportunity to 
serve. Above all I praise Thee for the most 



42 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

glorious work of redemption, that I may be 
saved through Christ, my King. May all 
things, all life, all manhood, all brave deeds 
of men, bring me nearer to Thee. And 
may I at last fall before Thee and adore 
Thee in that hymn of eternal praise which 
has long been waiting for Thy call to sing 
its endless joy before Thy face and in Thy 
heaven. For Jesus 1 sake. Amen. 



II 

Confession of Sin and Weakness 



II 

Confession of Sin and Weakness 

PRECIOUS MASTER, when I think 
of the poverty of my gifts, how little 
I have given, and how seemingly 
valueless that little is, I am ashamed to look 
into Thy face, for Thou didst give every- 
thing for me, and that everything of Thine 
was infinite in value. Yet let me not dis- 
trust Thee and think that Thou wilt turn 
away from me, for O, my Christ, Thou art 
my all, and without Thee I cannot live. 
Therefore help me. Give me so deep and 
true a generosity that all I possess, whether 
little or great, may bear Thine image and 
be counted Thine. Open my eyes to the 
dear beauty of Thy world, however the 
thorns of sorrow and the weeds of sin may 
seem to cover it. Show me Thy plan, that 
I may work with it. Grant me a vision of 
the glorious end for which Thou art calling 
me to serve, that I may answer that call. 
45 



46 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

And let me live and labor and love only as 
seeing Thee, my Christ, everywhere and al- 
ways. Amen. 



O my Christ, pardon me that I have ever 
lost heart, when Thou hast loved me from 
the foundation of the world. Forgive me 
that I have ever hesitated when I sought to 
lead men to Thee who hast died in the glory 
of Thy love, and risen again to prove Thy 
power. Let Thy divine sympathy enfire 
my sympathy, Thy touch make warm my 
touch, Thy trust build up my trust. For 
truly Thou dost care for all Thy children, 
and I would follow after Thee and tell of 
Thy care, and draw men to righteousness 
through Thy cross. Amen. 



Ah, Lord God, truly I am a poor servant, 
for I am impatient, and careless, and even 
forgetful of Thee. Help me to watch for 
Thy coming. Help me to live as in Thy 
sight. May I be careful for nothing save 
Thine approval. May I live on earth the 
life of heaven, and serve Thee with the glad 



Confession of Sin and Weakness 47 

freedom of the angels who never grow weary 
or fail. Then at Thy glorious coming Thou 
wilt find me ready, O Christ, and glad to 
greet Thee. Amen. 



Dear King, Thou knowest my weakness, 
and how often I hurt Thy cause by deeds 
and words which are not right. Pardon me, 
I pray Thee. And, that I may make men 
love Thee, give me Thy grace. Let me 
know what my life means, and bravely con- 
tinue in the way of service. Give me joy of 
heart in Thy precious gospel, Thy glad tid- 
ings, and make me fearless in the proclaim- 
ing of Thy name and Thy truth. Love me, 
for Thy love can hold me aright. Speak to 
me, for Thy voice can inspire me ; and 
finally bring Thy kingdom, O Lord my 
God ! Amen. 



O my Christ, I fear my influence for God 
and for Thee has been cheap and selfish. I 
have not gone out as I ought to make men 
believe; I have not with my whole heart 
urged Thy truth. Pardon Thy servant in 



48 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

this thing. I plead with Thee for an in- 
spiration which shall make my testimony 
daring and strong. Let me point the world 
to Thee, no matter what the world may do 
to me. Fill me so full of Thy love that I 
cannot but tell the story. Show me Thy- 
self so plainly that I cannot but tell others 
of the vision. So shall I really live for a 
purpose, and make the world love and serve 
Thee. Amen. Amen. 



O my blessed Saviour, I tremble as I look 
at myself and realize how shame or pride 
has kept me from offering for Thy use what 
little I have. I have forgotten that only as 
Thou dost bless life and work can they be 
of any avail. Forgive me, and receive me 
now as I humbly kneel and bring all I have, 
small though the possession is, to Thee. Let 
me see how Thy power can make even 
weakness strong. Help me to know that 
when Thou dost touch even little things they 
become great like Thyself. Show me how 
Thou canst make my little life to be of 
some service in the world, and how Thy 
touch can make both me and my possessions 



Confession of Sin and Weakness 49 

worthy. So shall I live indeed and work 
indeed. So shall life, even my life, be 
glorious, no matter how narrow its sur- 
roundings or poor its opportunities. And at 
last I shall see Thee, O ! I shall see Thee, 
and with all my fears and trials past I shall 
enter into Thy kingdom, never again to be 
alone or weak or tired or sad. Bless me 
now, O Lord, I pray, for Thine own dear 
sake. Amen. 



O my dear Master, evil seems so mighty 
that I tremble because of my feebleness. 
Show me what to do to help men and to 
remove temptation from them. And in 
Thine own good time bring Thy kingdom 
of righteousness when all men shall prove 
their love for Thee by living as brothers. 
May I labor for that great day and trust- 
fully anticipate it, dear Lord. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I know I am irreverent. I 
forget Thee often, and I use Thy dear name 
carelessly, and I fail to think of Thee as near 
me. Forgive me, I pray, and help me by 



50 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

self-reverence, by reverence for all men, to 
be drawn to revere Thee, the Source of 
all, the dear God of all. O, teach me that 
Thou art a God here, not a God far away. 
And so even in discord may I hear Thy 
still voice, and in darkness listen to Thy 
message, and have always a deep happiness 
because Thou art never absent from me. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear King, living in glory, yet using 
ever that glory for Thy children's sake, I 
beg of Thee to keep me from boasting of 
anything I may hold as if it were mine 
own. I know well the danger of wealth in 
the hands and hearts of those who do not 
love Thee. I remember, even with tears, 
the horrors wrought in the name and power 
of gold whereby human souls were crushed 
and ruined in despair and bitterness. Ah, 
I remember, dear Lord, even mine own 
bitterness when Thou didst ask me for that 
which was Thine own, and I rebelled. For- 
give me that I too have placed Thee last, 
and my possessions, which Thou hast 
loaned to me, first. Let me, O my Master, 



Confession of Sin and Weakness 5 1 

love Thee so, and so count Thee as my all 
in all, that I can never be tempted to hide 
Thee in Thy gifts or forget Thee in Thy 
generous treasures. Keep me ever near to 
Thee. Make my heart true. Make me 
live only for Thee. And then I shall use 
all Thou hast lent me for Thee and in ac- 
cord with Thy will, and so find the peace, 
the only true peace, which endureth forever. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I long to grow, but I cannot 
see my progress, and so I am discouraged. 
All through the years I have sought to add 
goodness to goodness, but I cannot see that 
my character has grown larger or richer. 
Help me to persevere. Make my efforts 
definite, that I may strive for some part of 
goodness every day. Lead me to use the 
means of grace, that so my life may be 
regular according to Thy divine system. 
Help me to be content to take the way a 
step at a time, if only I can keep my direc- 
tion right. And above all let me trust in 
Thee, for only as Thou dost bless can I 
gain a blessing. So at last shall I succeed ; 



52 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

and then, O Christ, Thou wilt open the 
kingdom, and let me see what has so long 
been hidden, the result of all my effort, the 
meaning of my struggle, the purpose of my 
life. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Lord, forgive me that I have often left 
Thee outside my heart while evil thoughts 
and intents rested within. Forgive me that 
I have so often, by my selfish sin and in- 
dulgence, put Thee to an open shame. For 
O, I do really love Thee, weak though I am. 
Let me not reject Thee again, and do not 
Thou, blessed Saviour, reject me at the last 
when I knock at heaven's gate. For Thine 
own blessed sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord and Master, Thou seest and 
knowest the evil against which I pray and 
strive. Yea, Thy purity can see even that 
which is hidden from my feeble eyes and 
ignorant brain. Show me what I can do to 
help in the battle, that Thy truth may not 
be impeded in Christian lands or amongst 
heathen people. Raise up great bodies of 



Confession of Sin and Weakness 5 3 

devoted men and women with high ideals to 
work in Thy cause. Give me a deep con- 
ception of the importance of right living. 
And let me, with Thee, hasten the day of 
final righteousness, to bring which Thou, 
dear Christ, didst die. Amen. 



O my dear Jesus, it is unworthy and un- 
kind for me to turn from Thee and forget 
Thee when Thou hast done so much for me. 
Forgive me, and help me to live better. I 
know that Thou dost rightly expect from 
me love and trust. I know Thou wouldst 
have me work righteousness and serve Thee 
with quietness and joy. Guide me and 
lead me, that I may not disappoint Thee ; 
and, weak though I am, O, let me be loyal 
to Thee, Thou divine Friend, my Saviour 
and my Christ. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord of all, I know I have failed 
again and again. My selfishness, or my 
pride, or my doubt of Thee, has led me to 
fall behind in the race. Forgive me, and 
grant that, forgiven, I may recover my 



54 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

strength, and not fail utterly in the battle of 
life. May my failures only lead me to call 
upon Thee more earnestly. May my mis- 
takes drive me to Thee for pardon and 
courage. And at last let me hide my de- 
feat in Thy victory, and count Thy glorious 
conquest as mine, because Thou didst fight 
for me. Amen. 



O my dear Father, I know Thou dost 
love me, and I really love Thee, though 
often my poor life is unlovely and bad. 
Pardon my pining and complaining ; for- 
give my impatience and despair ; and make 
me hear Thee calling me upward and on- 
ward that so I may come towards Thee. 
Tell me again and again that at last I shall 
be perfect. Tell me again and again that 
at last my struggles shall end and the lone- 
liness of the growing-time pass away. 
Cheer me, even now in the midst of the 
battle, with Thy words of love, for they are 
sweet ; and draw me with the golden chain 
of desire. Then at last I shall see Thee, 
and be like Thee, and be satisfied. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Confession of Sin and Weakness $$ 

My Christ, when I think of how often 
and how freely Thou hast forgiven me, I 
am ashamed and afraid for the bitter 
thoughts that often crowd my heart and 
speak from my lips against my brothers. 
Pardon my unforgiving nature, O Thou 
Lord of forgiveness. Fill me with compas- 
sion. Let me remember ever my own 
weaknesses, that I judge not others too 
severely. Let me pray and work for mine 
enemies as Thou didst pray and work for 
me, and may Thy love rule me and lead 
me to be gentle and kind and forgiving. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I am afraid of myself, lest I 
condemn myself in condemning another. 
O, show me my own heart and let me see 
my own life as Thou dost know them, that 
so I may judge righteous judgment. Make 
me humble and loving that I may attract 
men not to myself, but to Thee. Make me 
reverent; for all men are Thy sons, and, 
though fallen, they are still in Thine image. 
Above all, O Master, give me true sym- 
pathy, that my cry may be " brother " and 



56 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

not " sinner," and that so out of my own 
hunger I may try to help another, and out 
of the stress of my own battle I may learn 
the meaning of all human conflict. Lord, 
let me judge as Thou dost judge me, with 
all tenderness and love. So shall I lead 
souls to Thee, and purify lives, and redeem 
the world for my Christ. Amen. Amen. 



O my Master, make me ready to meet 
Thee. May I know Thee better, and love 
Thee more deeply, and serve Thee more 
earnestly as the years go by, so that when 
at last Thou shalt come I may be ready and 
waiting and watching. Sometimes, dear 
Christ, the time seems long. Sometimes 
when I suffer, or when I am beaten by my 
passions, Thou seemest far away. Wilt 
Thou not call to me on the long way, that 
I may hear Thy voice and be patient ? 
Sometimes the old darkness does not seem 
to yield to any brightness, and the human 
cries of sorrow and pain are grievous. Wilt 
Thou not then send a gleam on the path to 
cheer and lift up my heart? Sometimes, 
O Lord, I do not feel that I am near Thee, 



Confession of Sin and Weakness §7 

though I am trying so hard to meet Thee 
on Thy way. Mountains of work, dry 
fields of loneliness, rocks of doubt, and 
rushing streams of fear impede me. O 
Master, at such times stretch out Thy hand, 
and lead me, and bring me nearer. For I 
do trust Thee. Thou art my only hope 
and joy. I know that Thou art coming to 
me and that I am coming to Thee. Hasten 
the time when my eyes shall see Thee, and 
when the day that knows no night shall 
break ; and make the old world glow with 
the abiding majesty and sweetness of Thy 
presence, dear Lord. Amen. 



O Thou Christ of Galilee, who didst 
go into the homes and the hearts of many 
folk, and kindle there a light which has 
burned through all the centuries, make me 
a humble sharer of Thy glory and good- 
ness, that so I may find a purpose and 
meaning in my life. Teach me to speak 
and act so that I may cheer and help men. 
Grant me love for all, that I may everywhere 
see Thy children and heed their cries. Make 
me like Thee in all Thy great-hearted and 



58 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

divine beauty, that I may count it my high, 
my only privilege to win men from sin to 
goodness, and from wandering to Thee. So 
shall my gifts be twice blessed since they 
cheer men and serve Thee ; so shall I find 
comfort in earth's shadows by making the 
shadows less heavy for my friends. Amen, 
dear Lord. Amen. 



My dear Lord, make me holy. Let my 
consecration be not the outward show or 
declaration, but the inward love and the 
simple, serving life. May I see Thee, O 
Jesus, always and everywhere. May I 
know life as a simple doing of Thy will 
every day. Let me live for others, and 
prove my goodness to be Thine, and mine 
only as Thou dost give me grace. Above 
all, make me naturally kind and pure and 
true. Let me not strain after high things, 
but in lowly service lead me to think of 
others rather than of myself, that so Thou 
mayest find me ready to grow into Thy 
nature and willing to be all that Thou art 
willing to make me. For Thine own dear 
£ake. Arnep. 



Ill 

Prayers of Consecration 



Ill 

Prayers of Consecration 

OMY dear Friend, I know my 
weakness, and I am ashamed be- 
cause of my failures. Forgive me 
and teach me, that I may do better and 
live more nobly. Make me to endure hard- 
ness, that I may be strong. Give me cour- 
age to hate and rebuke wrong. May I 
submit myself to Thee alone as my Guide, 
and know myself only as Thy messenger. 
Then shall I not live in vain. Then shall I 
have the joy of turning many to Thee and 
of proving my love to Thee. I ask it for 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Father, give me the spirit of 

childhood, that I may never grow old or 

hard or selfish. I long for the days which 

seem so dear as now in my riper years I 

61 



62 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

feel my heart less tender and my love less 
true. Touch me with Thy hand, call me 
with Thy voice, and bid me come back to 
the gentle graces which were mine when 
Thy breath was fresh on my lips, before sin 
had stained me. If Thou findest me dull of 
hearing, dear Lord, call again, for I cannot 
bear that Thou shouldst call me in vain. If 
my love has grown cold, O blessed Jesus, 
pour Thy love into me that I may feel as 
Thou dost feel and care as Thou dost care. 
And bring me back from the old narrow 
ways of manhood to the sweet open mead- 
ows of early years where Thy face was 
seen, and Thy sunshine felt, and Thy dear 
voice always heard. Amen. 



Dear Lord Jesus, let me never slight 
Thy gracious call. I know well how I have 
misunderstood Thee and unjustly feared 
Thee as hard. I know how my sins have 
made me ashamed and afraid to answer 
Thy gentle pleadings. So often have I 
heard and slighted Thy call that mine ears 
have grown hard of hearing. And, alas ! 
so often the cares and riches and pleasures 



Prayers of Consecration 63 

of this life have engrossed me that I have 
missed Thy gentle voice. Forgive me. 
Leave me not, and cease not to plead with 
me, for O, I need Thee, and I will, by Thy 
grace, listen and obey. Amen. 



Dear Lord and Saviour, thanking Thee 
as I do most humbly and heartily for that 
Thou hast brought me to a knowledge of 
Thy grace, I ask Thee to arouse me to 
active and loving service in Thy name, that 
others may know and serve Thee. Help 
me to have ever in mind some one man 
who is not a Christian, that for him I may 
pray. Save me from weariness and dis- 
couragement, from foolishness and careless- 
ness in Thy service. And O, may my life 
have at least this meaning, that through me 
some soul has learned to love Thee. Amen. 



Dear Christ, Thou one and only hero 
who hast ever trodden the old earth, come 
to me and make me, poor coward that I 
am, to grow like Thee by serving and loving 
Thee. As I wait upon Thee, as I obey 



64 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Thy call, as I patiently receive the prepara- 
tion Thou dost give, and as I take Thine 
own inspiration, may I give myself to Thee 
with a divine abandonment of consecration 
in whatever service Thou dost ask of me. 
Everywhere, anywhere, it matters not to 
me, dear Lord, if only I can follow Thee 
truly. And let my path lead me at last so 
close to Thee that into my humanity shall 
come Thy glory, and then I shall be satisfied. 
Amen and amen. 



My King and my Friend, teach me, that 
I may be really a Christian. Let me never 
be so foolish as to rely upon myself, but 
may I always rely upon Thee. Give me 
the wisdom and the will to devote myself 
to Thee and Thy dear world. Let me give 
all I have to the struggle, and look to Thee 
for the power which can never fail to bring 
what Thy children fervently ask for or to 
do what Thy children honestly seek to have 
done in Thy cause. So shall I find the 
glory of my religion, and manifest its glory 
to others ; but Thine alone shall be the 
praise. Amen and amen. 



Prayers of Consecration 6 5 

My Christ, I thank Thee, as for all Thy 
laws, so especially for their helpfulness, 
their promise, and their declaration of Thy 
love and power. Teach me how I can help 
Thee in all Thy mighty conflict with sin. 
Show me how I too can bless and comfort 
and save men in their long and hard battle 
with trouble and sorrow and wrong. Let 
me speak words of sympathy. Let me 
give the cup of water to thirsty lips. Let 
me lift up the fallen. Let me bear the 
burdens of men. And then, all unworthy 
though I must ever be, because my best 
efforts are so imperfect, let me follow in 
Thy triumph and be near Thee when Thou 
comest in Thy glorious and perfect king- 
dom. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord, Thou knowest my weak- 
ness, and my faults are not hid from Thee. 
Yet, I pray, help me to prove my sincere 
sorrow for sin, and my eager desire to turn 
from it, by a consecrated life. Keep me in 
the true attitude toward right and wrong. 
Give me such a love for men that I shall 
bring to them that which I know can help 



66 Prayers for the ^tiiet Hour 

them. Make me active always in Thy 
cause, and may all my business mean ser- 
vice for Thee. And, I pray Thee, make me 
so to live that men may judge Thee and 
Thy truth aright. Let me reflect upon the 
world the light Thou hast caused to shine 
upon me. So shall I know, so will the 
world know, and so shall I prove to Thee, 
my dear Christ, that I am truly a penitent. 
Hear me and help me, for Thine own dear 
sake. Amen. 



Keep me, dear Lord, from any action or 
word or emotion which can make any one 
less strong and brave and true than Thou 
wouldst have him be. Let me never by 
careless coldness or by active speech cause 
the path of life to be blocked for any man. 
Hold me from that dead uselessness which 
must make me an obstacle in the world's 
progress. And fill me with that tender 
love which shall make me see, even in chil- 
dren, Thine image and Thy work. May I 
follow Thee, dear Master, in leading to- 
wards happiness and peace. May no man 
find it harder to live because of me. May 



Prayers of Consecration 67 

many find their path easier because I live, 
even as Thou, dear King, dost ever encour- 
age me, even as Thou, dear Christ, hast 
made my life possible by Thine own 
precious life. Amen. 



Dear Lord, teach me to give gladly, gen- 
erously, believingly. Consecrate all I have 
to Thine own use, and let me look upon my 
possessions as sacred trusts from Thee. 
Bless all I give, and let me think more of 
Thy blessing than of mine own benevolence. 
Keep me near to Thee, and fill me with Thine 
own spirit. And O, let me find my peace 
and my comfort, not in what I receive, but 
in the strength which goes out of me in my 
giving. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, as Thou hast given Thyself 
for me, so let me give myself for Thee. 
May I honor Thee by my faithfulness in 
the trust wherewith Thou hast honored me. 
May I use all I have and all I am for Thee, 
as a good steward. Help me to be so loyal 
that I shall keep nothing back from Thee, 



68 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

And O, make me so like Thee that I may 
love the world as Thou didst and dost love 
it. So shall my stewardship, by Thy grace, 
be worthy ; and so at last shall I receive, 
O blessed comfort, Thy commendation. 
Amen. Amen. 



My King, I would follow Thee. Burn 
out of me all thought or care of self. Tear 
from me the miserly spirit which holds fast 
to things and is afraid of generosity. Make 
me give myself when I give. Grant me 
patience under the pain which must come 
to the true giver as it came to Thee, O 
Thou blessed Lord. Let me not be weary 
in well doing, and at last bring the bright 
day when hearts and lives shall be forever 
one in Thee. Amen and amen. 



Blessed Lord, Thou who alone canst 
order my unruly will and affections, teach 
me to learn of Thee the lessons Thou hast 
so clearly given. And O, may I be so true 
to Thy creation and to Thee, so bound by 
all the high and holy things with which 



Prayers of Consecration 69 

Thou hast surrounded me, that no tempta- 
tion can hold me or carry me away. And, 
that I may indeed be safe, lead me to wor- 
ship Thee with all my heart and soul and 
mind and strength. For Thine own dear 
sake. Amen. 



My Saviour, fill me with zeal for Thee, 
and for Thy truth, and for Thy cause, and 
for Thy world for which Thou didst die. 
Let me hold to the Gospel story, and keep 
my trust in humanity, and follow a high 
ideal of Christian living. Above all, dear 
Lord, let me love Thee so truly and so 
deeply that nothing can ever bring a shadow 
between Thee and me. Amen. 



Dear Lord, make me generous. Drive 
far from me all those poor temptations 
which bid me care for myself. Fill me with 
all those blessed graces which shall make 
me care for others. Show me how I may 
give regularly as Thou dost so regularly 
give me life and strength and food. Teach 
me to give thoughtfully, with my heart 



jo Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

touching the hearts of those I would help. 
May I count it a dear thing to deny myself 
for others' good. And O, dear Master, 
make me cheerful and glad in my giving, 
that it may prove my love, and so be ac- 
ceptable to Thee. And bless all I do or 
try to do, my Jesus, that I may not give or 
labor in vain. For Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Christ, Thou who didst enter so 
divinely into human necessities and human 
experiences, wilt Thou not teach me how 
to feel, and guide me, that I run not into 
ungoverned and meaningless excitement, 
nor sink into cold and heartless indiffer- 
ence, but remain ever Thy child, full of 
love and sympathy? Let me see Thee, 
and consecrate all my feelings and their 
expression to Thee. Let me delight to 
suffer with Thee, that I may serve with 
Thee. And so let me sanctify all I have 
and all I am that I shall act only on the 
motion of Thy will, and be what Thou 
wouldst have me be because striving to be 
what Thou art. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Prayers of Consecration 71 

Dear Christ, Thou didst choose a 
thorny path indeed, and should I not fol- 
low Thee ? I do not desire hardness for 
its own sake, but for Thy sake. I would 
not choose pain that I may be a martyr, 
but only that I may be nearer to Thee. 
Surely where the need is greatest, there 
Thou, O Christ, art to be found. So I 
would follow Thee. Let me not choose an 
easy way, but a way of necessity, that I 
may do good. Let me not seek ease in 
life, but usefulness. Let me not seek 
peace, but seek Thee, and so find that per- 
fect peace which Thou only canst give, and 
which Thou wilt give to those who lovingly 
serve. In Thine own dear name, I pray. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, give me true friendship, real 
and pure and enduring. Let no cheap imi- 
tation satisfy me. Let me not be deceived 
by that which men think to be love, which 
withers before the blast of pain or tempta- 
tion. But pour into me the fulness of 
Thine own living nature that I may bring 
comfort to all who are sad and inspiration 



J2 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

to the many who are weary and dry in 
heart and endeavor. Above all, dear Jesus, 
make my own love for Thee to glow and 
burn with a lasting flame, such as no sorrow 
or burden or cloud can dull or extinguish. 
So shall I find peace by bringing peace ; so 
shall I have friendship born of my own 
friendliness. Amen. 



Help me, dear Lord, to work for Thee 
and with Thee, where Thou wilt and as 
Thou wilt ; that, being united to Thee in 
love and fellowship, I may grow like Thee 
and learn the blessedness of Thy service. 
I ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



I can do little, dear Lord, but that little 
I will do with my whole heart. When I see 
how much there is to be done, and then 
think of my feebleness, I am afraid. Yet 
when I hear Thy call, " Go work in My 
vineyard/' I dare not stand idle. Fill me 
with love, my Master, that I may be ready 
to do Thy will. Show me what I can do 
in my own home in dealing with those near 



Prayers of Consecration 73 

me. Show me what I can do in my own 
city to bring Thy kingdom. Lead me to 
help in the lonely places of the earth, that 
Thy truth may be heard everywhere. And 
open a way, I pray Thee, for me to help 
forward towards righteousness and peace 
the people scattered all over this land. 
And so at last shall come the great day 
when America will be not only claimed 
but won for Thee, O Christ. Amen. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, I need Thee. Bring me near 
to Thee in any way Thou pleasest, so only 
I am kept near and wander not away. Let 
me feel myself near Thee in Thy dear 
church. O, speak to me and show me the 
delights of Thy worship, and grant me Thy 
peace. Let me find Thee in Thy great 
world, in the richness of Thy works and in 
the glory of Thy wonders, in flower and tree, 
in sea and mountain. But O, when I am 
in sorrow, when pain and loneliness oppress 
me and life seems drear, then come closest, 
my Friend, and speak to me in tones which 
shall calm my fears and assure me of Thy 



74 Prayers for the 'Quiet Hour 

undying love. So shall I never wander 
away from Thee. And then, O my Christ, 
at last, when all these strange experiences 
are over, and Thou seest I am ready through 
Thy mercy, take me where I shall always be 
near Thee in heaven. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, show me Thy standards, and 
may they be mine. In my work, in my 
service amongst men, in my pleasure, let 
me see what Thou dost ask of me, and be 
what Thou hast a right to expect Thy child 
to be. And O, make me useful in the 
world, so that those led by the poor, weak 
standards of sin may see the glory of the 
standards which Thou hast proclaimed, and 
in following them find their freedom, their 
peace, and their power. Amen. 



Dear Lord, make me heroic, that I may 
do Thy work in Thy way. Rouse up in me 
all the qualities of heart and head and body 
which shall make me quick to hear Thee 
speak and to go where Thou wouldst send 
me. Let me live a life of service. Let me 



Prayers of Consecration 75 

grow in all Thy graces, that through Thee 
I may have true manhood. And let me see 
ever the results of true heroism that I be not 
discouraged. Open before me the vision of 
a perfect world, and fire me with the sight, 
that my heart and my zeal may be with 
Thee in securing the redemption and the 
adoption of humanity. And at last let me 
have the beatific vision of Thine own 
blessed self, O my Christ, with Thy re- 
deemed about Thee. So shall I rejoice to 
rest forever in Thy presence. Amen. 



My Saviour, who hast redeemed me, 
help me to learn how to accept Thy redemp- 
tion. Teach me true penitence, dear Lord. 
I would acknowledge my sin and confess it. 
I would trust in Thy forgiveness. I would 
seek to restore what I have taken of good 
or comfort from another, and I would fain 
be brave in the struggle for righteousness. 
But in all this I can do nothing without 
Thee. Be Thou my all in all, dear Christ, 
and let me hide myself in Thee, and do 
Thou call me Thine own. Then I can per- 
severe unto the end. Amen. 



j 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

O my Master and Friend, who hast given 
me the crowns of manhood and character, 
help me to keep them, that no evil may 
rob me of what Thou hast so generously- 
bestowed. Give me a keen sense of honor, 
that I go not into the ways of any wrong. 
Let me contend as a good soldier for the 
righteousness which Thou didst teach and 
practice. And O, bind to me these treas- 
ures, that they fall not from my head, 
where Thou hast placed them, to lie under 
my feet in shameful dishonor. So at last 
shall I stand before the throne, crowned 
still, though weary and almost spent ; and 
when there I know I shall be safe forever. 
Amen, my King. Amen. 



Dear Lord Jesus, come and change my 
heart that I may love aright, and my will 
that I may be one with Thee in my desires. 
May my mind find truth only in Thee, and 
lead my soul back to the dear God from 
whom it has wandered away. Then shall 
my life be full of peace and happiness, and 
so shall I serve Thee as Thou dost ask. For 
Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Prayers of Consecration yj 

O dear Father, I thank Thee for this 
day of rest. When my spirit is in heavi- 
ness and needs peace, there is sure comfort 
in this Sabbath which Thou hast established. 
Help me to keep it holy. May no earthly 
thoughts or earthly occupations steal from 
me these hours which are all too short for 
my heart's love and my desire. I rejoice 
that I can meet Thee in Thy church and 
find Thee near. I praise Thee that my 
whole nature can find new power in the rest 
Thy day gives. Grant, dear Lord, that men 
everywhere may hold sacred this day of 
days, and find therein peace and prosperity, 
health and brotherhood, rest and strength. 
And at last take us all to pass an endless 
Sabbath with Thee in heaven. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, pour into my heart that 
spirit of love and desire which shall make 
me quick to approach and care for any who 
are strangers. May I do my part in mak- 
ing my church a house of prayer indeed, 
that men may hear and see the welcome 
that awaits them. May I never depart from 



yS Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Thy sanctuary without giving a kind word 
to some one whom I have not met before. 
May I lead laborers to the vineyard, that 
they may learn the bliss of service ; and may 
I speak to them of Thee, that they may love 
Thee. Ah, Lord God, make my religion 
so real that I cannot keep it shut away from 
a tired, hungry world ; cause it to shine in 
my eyes, to speak in my voice, and to lead 
wanderers to the everlasting home which 
Thou hast prepared for all Thy children. 
Amen. 



Dear Father, make me useful. It is my 
prayer above all else. I ask not honor, or 
human power, or great skill. I ask not for 
any single glory which shall make men 
wonder. I only ask that I may use all 
Thou hast given me, and use it for Thy 
glory and the good of my fellows. O, may 
I know myself, and use myself, and control 
myself so that my education may be pleas- 
ing to Thee. O, may I see human need, 
and feel for it, and give my strength to 
supply it, that my life may be profitable. 
Let no poor humility hold me back from 



Prayers of Consecration 79 

service. Let no foolish pride spoil my 
work. But in all things may I seek to 
please Thee, in all things seek to grow like 
Thee, O my Christ, my Guide, my Friend. 
Amen. 



O Jesus, I would give my all to Thee, 
for Thou hast given all for me. Make me 
generous. Kill in me the vice of selfishness, 
of ease-loving, of blind satisfaction. Add 
to whatever other graces Thou hast given 
to me this grace also of hearty, intelligent, 
self-denying benevolence. And may my 
life be used always, only, all, for Thee. 
Amen. 



O my Lord, poor though I am in my life 
and imperfect in my deeds, keep me, O 
keep me true and real in character and in 
heart. May these blessings be mine. I 
care not for what men call success or honor. 
There is no rest for me in the glory of 
power or in the strength of achievement 
Only to live for others and for Thee, only to 
hold my eye fixed on the real and true, only 



80 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

to feel as Thou didst feel, and to suffer as 
Thou didst suffer — that is my desire. Stay 
Thou ever before me as my inspirer and 
guide, and at last when I, consciously un- 
worthy, kneel before Thee, say softly to me 
that one word, " Blessed " ; and, dear Lord, 
then I shall be satisfied. Amen. 



O Lord, teach me to pray with my heart 
as well as with my lips. Help me to pray 
without ceasing. And may I never forget 
that Thou art near, and that Thou lovest 
me. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord. 
Amen. 



O my dear Lord, I do pray Thee with my 
whole soul, let my life be one of service to 
Thee and to the world. I am not great. I 
can do no great things. But if only I can 
see life as Thou dost see it, if only I can 
work hard to help even by rebuking error 
and upholding Thy blessed truth, if only I 
can be patient and calm and trusting, if only 
I can take pain as somehow associated 
with growth towards holiness, then I am 



Prayers of Consecration 8 1 

sure I shall not have lived in vain. And 
these great things I can do and be only by 
Thy grace and merits and strength, my dear 
Christ, in whose name I pray and upon 
whom I rely. Amen. 



Dear Lord, keep me all my days. But 
in my hours of ease and rest come Thou es- 
pecially near, to keep me from harm and to 
make me truer and more loyal as Thy child. 
I praise Thee for Thy beautiful earth and 
for all that Thou hast given me to enjoy. 
Let me use Thy gifts aright. Grant me 
peace of heart. Let me lead others nearer 
to Thee, and at last take me to live where 
I can see Thy face always. Amen. 



O Thou King who honorest Thy chil- 
dren in loving them and asking them to 
love Thee, it is because Thou art so good, 
so perfect, that I covet the honor Thou 
dost give. O, may I covet nothing else. 
Help me to value all of human favor as of 
merit only as Thou dost send it. May I 
rejoice in that Thou hast made me, and 



82 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

named me, and placed me here. May I 
delight to love Thee and to be loved by 
Thee, and know all true human love only 
by this measure. May I be eager for the 
honor of waiting upon Thee, and believe 
that what I do for Thee and in Thy name 
is alone worthy of Thee and of me. And, 

my Christ, give me more and more of 
this honor which delights my heart because 

1 know that it comes from Thee, the only 
perfect Friend, the eternal and true Leader, 
the righteous King. Amen. 



Blessed King of glory, coming on Thy 
way, let me not shut mine eyes to all Thou 
art doing ; but rather in holy devotion let 
me give myself to Thy service, that so with 
great cheer I may serve Thee, and sing, 
even in the dust of conflict, a song of vic- 
tory for the glory which is Thine. Amen. 



Blessed Lord, do with me as Thou wilt ; 
only let me not be a barren tree, a useless 
being. Guard me from pride, judgment of 
others, and selfishness. Help me to use all 



Prayers of Co?isecration 8 3 

that comes of joy or sorrow, to fit myself 
by study, and above all to know that Thou 
art ever ready to bless. May my loyalty 
to Thee make me zealous ; may my love 
for my brethren make me full of sympathy. 
And at last, when the time of ingathering 
shall come, make me to rejoice in what 
Thou hast wrought through me. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, help me to be faithful in all 
things. Let me do everything for Thee 
because I love Thee. Shine on the simplest 
tasks, and make them beautiful. Open my 
eyes that I may see Thy will written on all 
my tasks, and make my heart so true to 
Thee that toil and work and duty may be- 
come pleasure and delight and privilege. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Blessed Master, make me earnest to 
fulfil my mission. Let me follow Thine 
example in seeking souls. Give me a 
brotherly spirit, persevering, true, so that I 
may, above all else, desire that men should 



84 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

know Thee as I know Thee, and have the 
peace which Thou hast given to me. And, 
O, keep me, dear Friend, from that dis- 
loyalty which shall make me ashamed to 
call Thee mine or to confess Thee as my 
King. Hear this, my prayer, for Thine 
own sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord of all, kneeling before Thee 
this day, I do decide to give myself to Thee 
and to righteousness as never before. Ac- 
cept my offering of myself, all I have and 
all I am, and bless me. I would fain follow 
Thee, O Christ, with greater zeal and deeper 
consecration. I am determined to turn from 
sin, and to do Thy will. I promise Thee 
to live not for myself, but for others in all 
the sunshine of glad and hopeful service. 
And I will hold fast to all Thou hast said 
and to all Thou hast done. Do Thou hold 
fast to me, dear Lord, and let me not fall 
away or be carried astray as I journey on ; 
and at last receive me into Thy kingdom, 
where struggle shall end in victory, and de- 
sire in fulfilment, and pain be transfigured 
into peace. For Thine own sake. Amen. 



Prayers of Consecration 8 5 

Dear Lord, I will follow Thee. I am 
very weak, and I shall stumble. I am very 
foolish, and I shall make mistakes. I am 
very ignorant, and I shall question much. 
But, O Christ, my heart is right, for it is 
Thine. Guide me, teach me, bless me, un- 
til my path of life shall end in that glowing 
brightness in the midst of which I shall see 
Thee. Amen. 



Dear Saviour, make me a true steward. 
I am weak and ignorant ; O, help me to use 
Thy bounties wisely. And may I so re- 
joice in the confidence Thou hast in me, 
and in the opportunities Thou hast given 
me, that all I do may be freely and lovingly 
done, and that all my life may be sacred 
because it is Thine, not mine. Amen. 



Dear Lord, keep me from evil. I would 
be rich towards Thee. I would count all 
that I have as Thine, and use it under Thy 
direction. Keep me pure in heart, un- 
selfish, generous, thoughtful. And teach 
me 50 to use my talents that the world 



86 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

may be happier and better for my having 
lived. Even as Thou, dear Jesus, hast 
made the world so rich by the sacrifice of 
Thine own life. Amen. 



Dear Lord, give me character, that 
power of heart and mind and life which 
shall make me what Thou wouldst have me 
be. Help me to be myself, to imitate no 
one but Thee. Give me wisdom that I 
may know how to live, and courage that I 
may be glad to endure hardness. And 
above all give me Thyself in all Thy 
blessed fulness, that, Thou abiding in me, I 
may find my poor human character built 
up by Thy divine character, and my life 
made rich by Thy beautiful goodness. I 
ask it for Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear, dear Lord, I will myself, all alone, 
as Thy child, serve Thee. O, let me not 
choose to whom I shall speak, but choose 
Thou for me. Let me not plan for some won- 
derful work, but let me speak a word gently 
and loyally in Thy name. Make me to 



Prayers of Consecration 87 

know that Thou art near, that I may not 
be afraid; and speak through me, that it 
may be Thy message, not mine. And ? 
dearest Lord, wilt Thou not grant me this 
greatest blessedness next to seeing Thee, 
that I may meet at last in Thy presence 
some child who has found heaven and Thee 
and peace through my service ? Amen. 



O my Master, when I remember Thy 
tears over Jerusalem, I am led to weep, not 
so much for the world as for myself, that I 
have done so little to make men know 
Thee. Every day little children and men 
and women about me are dying, and Thy 
name and Thy comfort are unknown to 
them. Show me, dear Christ, how I can 
help them. Show me what I can do to 
make the cities of my land Thy cities, 
loyal to Thee and to Thy righteousness. 
Lead me to influence each day some one 
for good. Let me brighten the dark places 
and ease the heavy burdens. Let me tell 
the story of Thy love and power. And 
grant that in Thine own time and way 
men may everywhere love and serve Thee. 



88 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

For Thou art the only peace the world can 
ever find, and at last I know Thy new city 
shall come, a city of goodness and peace and 
joy and eternal light. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I would fain be Thy servant 
and serve as did Christ Thy children every- 
where. Let my will be wholly given to 
Thee, that so I may serve indeed. Help 
me to lead little children to know how the 
Lord loves them and needs them. May my 
money, my time, my affections, be wholly 
Thine ; and in all things may I read Thy 
will and Thy goodness. So shall my best 
be Thine, and so shall my worst be made 
better and my faults healed, until I am 
Thine in all things. So be it, dear Lord. 
Amen. 



O my dear Lord, I am all unworthy of 
what Thou dost promise, for I can do so 
little where Thou hast done so much ! Yet 
will I not go back from Thy service, for in 
it I find my life's meaning, in it I find 
my brother, in it lies peace; and every* 



Prayers of Consecration 89 

where, as I serve, I see Thee. Let me 
serve Thee more. No matter how hard 
the task, how seemingly thankless the 
effort, O, call me to a yet more constant 
doing of good for Thy sake. And at last I 
shall be satisfied if Thou wilt call me Thy 
«' servant," even if Thou canst hardly say, 
" Well done/' or call me " good and faith- 
ful." For it is a joy to serve as Thou didst 
serve. Amen. 



Dear King, before Thee I bow, in shame 
that I have ever dared to hold myself 
above any man, in joy that I can go out 
and serve and exalt to Thee my friends for 
whom Thou hast died. O show me how 
foolish, how earthly, how weakly human, 
all our divisions and separations are. 
And fill me with a great spirit of love, that 
I may lead and help and suffer and sacrifice, 
and that joyfully and unconsciously, to lift 
men into the light where they can see 
Thee, and, becoming one with Thee, may 
become one in a blessed union of hearts 
and hands and lives in Thy service. Amen, 
my blessed King. Amen, 



90 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

O MY DEAR AND BLESSED KlNG, my 

Friend and Guide, fill me with Thyself and 
with Thy truth, that I may live indeed. 
Fill the Christian nations with the knowl- 
edge of Thee, that it may run through the 
earth and lighten all the dark places. 
Grant to me that revelation of Thyself 
which shall change me and make me like 
Thee. Give me true humility and a love 
for all men, that I may be the servant oi all, 
and so fit to be near Thee. And at last 
sound the glad call, and bring the sad old 
world to Thyself. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Father, whose arms are always 
outstretched, and whose home is ever open, 
and whose love can never fail, I thank 
Thee for all the comfort and inspiration 
Thou dost give. Help me to do my part, 
dear Lord, and so to prove my desire and my 
love. Let me not be satisfied with myself, 
but look for the perfection Thou dost 
promise. Let me be honest with myself 
and not blame others, and, O, not blame 
Thee, dear Father, for my faults. Help me 
to live and struggle, to go forward manfully, 



Prayers of Consecration 9 i 

and to turn my face ever homeward, towards 
Thee, my King, my Friend, for Thou art 
all I want, and in Thee only can I find 
peace. I ask these blessings for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, break Thou all my evil hab- 
its. Whatsoever clings to me and hampers 
me in my growth and work, I beg of Thee 
to crush it and fling it from me, no matter 
how much it hurts. Save me from narrow- 
ness and meanness and passion and blind 
custom and a dead conservatism, which 
make me as a rock in the way for earnest 
men to stumble over. Let me know nature 
and love her, that I may know and love 
Thee who art nature's God. Let me work 
hard, and love sincerely, and pray unceas- 
ingly. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



My Christ, Thee will I worship and 
love. Thy Book will I reverence and fol- 
low. Thy church will I enter, and through 
it do Thy work and receive Thy blessings. 
Thy will will I obey, and follow none but 



92 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Thee. Yet in my weakness do Thou 
strengthen me, and in my falls lift me up, 
and in my sorrow comfort me, and in my 
foolishness forgive me. So at last through 
Thee I may enter heaven, a sinner, but 
saved by grace. Amen and Amen. 



Blessed Spirit, who hast guided the 
world since first Thou didst brood over its 
unformed earth and restless waters, I praise 
Thee for all Thou hast done and art still doing 
to make God known and loved in the earth. 
Give to me that spirit of consecration which 
shall lead me to unceasing endeavor in 
Thy cause. Bring me nearer to my fellow 
Christians in all the joy of that union which 
Christ created. Keep me true to the old 
faith. Make me eager for righteousness. 
Fill me with zeal for the world's salvation. 
Come, blessed Spirit, come into my cold 
heart, and so warm me by Thy love that I 
may join w T ith all Thy children in telling 
the story of Jesus and His salvation, until 
at last He shall come again to the earth and 
claim His kingdom. For Christ's sake. 
Amen. 



Prayers of Consecration 9 3 

Dear Master, who lovest everybody 
and didst die for everybody, open my heart 
and life, that I may sow bountifully in Thy 
name. Let me give all, not a part. Let 
me give always and everywhere. And O, 
make me see Thy children and hear Thy 
cry in every human brother and sister I 
meet. I am so narrow and mean in my 
judgments, and so ungenerous in my gifts, 
dear Lord ! O, make me big-hearted and 
loving, my Christ, that I may do something 
for Thee as Thou wouldst have it done. 
Amen. 



My gracious Master, who didst work 
so divinely for thirty-three years on 
earth, and who art even now working for 
me in heaven, show me my life-work, and 
help me to do it as Thou wouldst have me 
do it. Let me have a clear vision of my 
task and an absorbing passion in its per- 
formance. Teach me how to sacrifice self, 
that my work may gain true vitality. Com- 
fort me with the assurance of blessedness 
here in the midst of the struggle, and of 
final blessedness when the harvest-time 



94 Prayers for the ^utet Hour 

shall come. So from Thee shall I learn 
how to work, and so with Thee shall I rest 
at last. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. 



Blessed Lord, to Thee I trust all judg- 
ment. Only let me be true to Thee and 
Thy truth and Thy righteousness. Grant 
me the heroism of patience and godly en- 
thusiasm, the blessedness of hope and 
courage. Let me quietly do my work 
where Thou hast placed me, seeking ever 
to fulfil Thy will and to make the world for 
which Thou didst die a good and holy 
place over which at length Thou shalt 
reign. Grant me no ideals but those which 
are very high, and let me never faint nor 
fail in my following. For Thine own dear 
sake. Amen. 



O Father, let me throw myself unreserv- 
edly into Thy service, keeping nothing 
back. Take my all, little as it is, and make 
it much, even as Thou didst with the lad's 
few loaves and fishes, so that many may be 
fed. I ask not for honor or power or 



Prayers of Consecration 9 5 

wealth or praise of men. I only ask to 
see Thy face and to know that Thou dost 
accept me. Help me to know Thee well. 
Teach me to do all things in Thy name. 
Accept any sacrifice I may make ; and O, 
dear Lord, make my life real and true and 
loyal in Thy sight. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Friend of friends, my Christ and 
my Elder Brother, out of Thine own blessed 
obedience pour grace into my life, that 
I may learn of Thee how to obey. Let 
the pain of Thy love for the sons of men 
set me an inspiring example, that I may 
live only to meet others' needs and to cheer 
their lives. Above all, teach me the secret 
of all obedience, namely, that love which is 
born of Thine own divine nature, that I 
may serve not as a necessity, but as a privi- 
lege. Give me more love for Thee, more 
love for men, more love of truth and good- 
ness and all pure things. And lift me up 
to Thy presence, so that I may serve Thee 
at last without weariness. For Thine own 
dear sake. Amen. 



96 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

O Thou loving Guide of Thy children, 
let me give myself to Thee in unreserved 
confidence. I know that Thou art near, 
for art not Thou my Father, my Saviour, 
my Friend ? Bless me with the richness of 
Thy promises. Hold me by Thy hand, 
and never let me go alone. Open mine 
eyes that I may see Thee, and mine ears 
that I may hear Thee. And lead me 
straight home, at last to enter the heavenly 
Jerusalem, safe, safe forever. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



Life's meaning is too deep for me to 
measure, dear Christ, and its problems 
I cannot seem to solve. For centuries 
troubles have weighed heavily upon the 
hearts of Thy children, and through the 
years they seem to have grown no lighter. 
I bring them all to Thee. If Thou seest 
best, let me know the meaning of them all; 
or, if Thou countest me too ignorant and 
human to penetrate the mysteries of Thy 
love, then give me strength to grow through 
my daily working, content to believe though 
I have not seen. Only, O my Lord, let me 



Prayers of Consecration 97 

not falter by the way, nor hang my hands 
in weakness, because I walk by faith and 
not by sight. Lighten the darkness of my 
soul, that I may see Thee, and, seeing Thee, 
may find rest for my soul. Then it will not 
matter whether I can explain strange things 
or not, for Thy hand shall lead me, and 
Thy light shine upon the path before me. 
Amen. 



O dear Lord, I can do so little, and of 
that little I am ashamed. I confess that I 
have not sought as I should to bring men 
to Thee, and so I have treated Thee as if I 
were ashamed of Thee. Forgive me, and 
help me to be true. Teach me to pray for 
those who are not Thy followers, and never 
to think any prayer worthy of Thee or of 
me which has not a petition for another. 
May my example prove Thy love, and may 
men see Thee in me. Make me so to do 
Thy work that men may believe and glorify 
Thee. And O, give me grace and wisdom 
to speak a word in season to those who 
know Thee not, and to bring them to Thee. 
For only as men find Thee can they find 



98 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

peace. Only as they believe in Thee can 
they live. Let me no longer cumber the 
ground as a fruitless tree; but lead me, 
guide me, help me, Lord, to be Thy servant 
truly. And to Thee shall be given all the 
praise forever. Amen. 



Dear, dear Lord, I do long to be an in- 
fluence for good. I care not whether or 
not men remember me or honor me, but I 
do pray that they may be better for my 
living. Make me sincere and unselfish, 
hopeful and true to Thy leading. By word 
and deed, by example and character, may I 
commend Thee to men, so that, finding 
Thee, they may have peace. For, dear 
Lord, I can crave no greater influence than 
this, that I may lead men to give them- 
selves to Thee. Help me in this my desire, 
for Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, here I offer and present 
unto Thee myself, my soul and body, to be 
a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto 
Thee. So only can I express my gratitude 



Prayers of Consecration 99 

for all Thou hast done. O, make me really 
grateful, and may my lips and my life praise 
Thee without ceasing. Thou dear Lord, 
Thou blessed Christ, Thou art all the world's 
hope ! Wilt Thou not turn the world to 
Thee, that it may love and serve Thee ? 
Hasten Thy kingdom, for Thine own dear 
sake. Amen. 



Blessed King, I thank Thee for the en- 
couragement Thou dost give Thy soldiers. 
Ah, how blessed to fight for Thee in whom 
I have unbounded trust ! Arm me, Lord, 
with Thy weapons. Give me words that I 
may speak, and wisdom that I may act 
aright ; and hasten the day when the final 
victory shall come. Even for His sake I 
ask it who died and rose again to assure me 
that the world and sin and death are over- 
come. Amen. 



O Lord, in the face of all earth's evil I 
am troubled. But do Thou help me to be 
pure myself, and to lead others to Thee, 
who art the source of all purity ; that so 



ioo Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

under Thy rule men may strive for mastery 
and live as brothers. Hasten Thy kingdom, 
dear Jesus, I pray Thee, the kingdom of 
temperance, purity, and peace. Amen and 
Amen. 



O Lord, make me generous and unself- 
ish. Fill me with love for Thee, that my 
gifts may be measured only by that love 
and prompted only by my heart's devotion. 
And may my offerings be blessed to the 
comfort of men and the spread of Thy 
kingdom. For Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



O my dear Lord, let my life be fruitful, 
useful, profitable to Thee and to the world. 
I pray Thee, keep me from living in vain. 
If only some soul may be led to Thee, if 
only some light may shine in a dark place, 
if only some heavy heart may take courage 
through me, I will praise Thee forever. 
But I can do nothing without Thy power. 
Wilt Thou not fill me, that all I do may be 
done for Thee and by Thy inspiration ? 



Prayers of Consecration 101 

Wilt Thou not make me useful, that by my 
living others may find life easier ? Wilt 
Thou not help me to tell the glad message 
of a Father's love and a Saviour's forgive- 
ness ? And, above all, wilt Thou not send 
the fulness of the Spirit, that in my own 
nature Thy rich gifts may be found, and 
my heart be made wholly Thine ? I ask it 
for my Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



Fill me, O Christ, with a great and true 
ambition to grow like Thee and to live for 
Thee. I pray Thee, let no poor ambitions 
for things which are to perish, for wealth 
or fame, entice me ; but rather let the de- 
sire for the honor Thou dost bestow and 
the longing to serve Thee in serving the 
world make me full of energy and single- 
ness of heart. Enfire me with the glory 
of what Thou art. Excite me with a 
hunger for Thy words, " Well done." Keep 
me eager and alert to see Thee and bear 
Thy message. And at last, O my God, 
let me hear Thee say to me, even to me, 
" Them that honor Me I will honor." For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



102 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

Dear Jesus, make me true and loyal to 
Thee and Thy message. Fill me so full of 
Thine own grace that my very life may tell 
people of Thee and make them long to 
love Thee. Help me to love the souls of 
men, and to love Thee that I may love 
them. Consecrate all my powers ; I wish 
nothing for myself, but all for Thee. And 
keep clearly before me the great end which 
is surely coming, that I lose not heart in 
my endeavor, but persevere in the assurance 
that at last the world shall worship Thee as 
King. Amen. 



Blessed Christ, take my lips and let 
them be filled with messages from Thee. 
Thou knowest my weakness and my fool- 
ishness; how sorely I am tempted to be 
unkind, bitter, critical, coarse, cruel in my 
language. Touch my tongue, and sanctify 
it. But, O, sanctify it not merely from bad 
things but to good things. Let me be 
clean in speech, dear Lord ; but let me also 
be true in speech, that I may tell how Thou 
dost love, how Thou hast died, how Thou 
dost call to righteousness. So shall I not 



Prayers of Consecration 103 

speak in vain, but by my voice I shall 
glorify Thy name. And may I at last join 
that great multitude whose voices shall be 
lifted in eternal praise around Thy throne. 
Through Thee, O Christ, I ask it. Amen. 



O my Master, come and enter my heart, 
and make it Thy home, and never go away; 
for I can live only when Thou livest in me. 
Let me rejoice in Thy nearness, and know 
Thine influence, and respond to Thy power, 
and join in Thy blessed eternal work. 
Keep me, dear Lord, little and weak though 
I am, so near to Thyself that I may grow 
up into Thee and lose myself in Thee, and 
so truly find myself. For only as I am in 
Thee and Thou art in me can I understand 
and have peace. Amen, my Christ. Amen. 



Blessed Master who hast redeemed 
men, and who wouldst that men should 
know it, I thank Thee that I may serve 
Thee in proclaiming the message. Let me 
talk to Thee with open and loving heart. 
Let me bring all I have, and cast it before 



104 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

Thee, that Thou mayest tell me what to do 
with it. Make me honest in all my deal- 
ings with Thee, and grant me more faith. 
So shall my prayers send light into dark- 
ness and bring peace where discord now 
reigns. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I have done so little that I 
am ashamed. And yet my heart is touched 
by the needs of men. Lead my emotion 
to active use, that I may feel for human 
need and give myself at its call. Forbid it, 
O my Christ, that I should live for pleasure 
or for gain. Show me the way to meet 
my brother's wants. And, as I struggle to 
help, do Thou inspire me. For Thine own 
dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, when I look at myself, I am 
afraid. When I look at Thee, I am at 
peace. Help me to forget myself in Thine 
own possession of me. I am not mine 
own. Hast Thou not bought me with a 
price ? Take me, then, as Thine own tired, 
weary child, and speak to me words of 



Prayers of Consecration 105 

love. Soothe me, that my worries may be 
forgotten. Calm me, that my anxieties 
may die away. Cheer me, that my way 
henceforth may be light, and that I may 
hear the music of Thine angels instead of 
the discords of my foolish life. Yet 
let me, I pray Thee, dearest Friend, take 
with me much of Thy nature, that in some 
little way I may live the life of my Christ. 
Then I will not be ashamed of my life 
any more, for it will be hidden in Thine. 
Amen. 



O my God, early in the morning I lift my 
song to Thee, and at evening I draw near 
to tell Thee the story of the day. Thou 
knowest mine uprising and my resting. 
Through all the hours of light and dark- 
ness Thou art near. Keep me ever con- 
scious of Thy presence, dear Lord ; let me 
hear Thy voice, still and loving, in the 
heated concourse, in the battle, in the strug- 
gle of living. Speak to me in the hour of 
temptation, and let me hear Thee when I 
am troubled by fears and doubts. Whisper 
sweet words of peace when the day is 



106 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

ended, and I am weary and heavy-hearted 
as I lie upon my bed. Pardon the weak- 
ness of my service, and complete my unfin- 
ished tasks by Thy touch of mercy. So 
may I go on, day and night alike, strong in 
the knowledge of Thy presence, until at 
last life's night is ended and I awake to an 
eternal day. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



O my Christ, help me, help me to be so 
real in my service and trust that men may 
be comforted by Thee and through me. 
May Thy nature be so truly and deeply 
implanted in my humanity that I may live 
and find my joy in living only that I may 
show my friends the power and the good- 
ness and the love of Thine own nature. 
Make me trustful, that no doubt of mine 
may ever cause another to lose heart, but 
that my confidence may strengthen the 
despairing. Help me to be so honest that 
the beauty of truth may be apparent, and 
men may serve their fellows in all godly 
righteousness. And above all, dear Master, 
grant me such love that I may suffer through 
it, and feel it, and so make my own hun- 



Prayers of Consecration 107 



ger the power to enable me to satisfy a 
starving world. And then at last I shall 
find peace, and friendship, and calmness of 
spirit in being always Thy child, in resting 
always upon Thee. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord and Master, I know my 
weakness and my failures, but I know too 
Thy tender love for Thy child. Thou look- 
est at my heart and my desire ; Thou know- 
est my struggle and my effort; Thou 
knowest that I long to be better and to 
live better. Let this be my pledge to Thee, 
unbroken through all my years. Then, 
whether I stand alone or with a multitude, 
whether men praise or blame, whether I 
suffer or dwell at peace, I shall be true to 
Thee. Keep me loyal. Give me Thy 
blessing. And at last let me serve Thee in 
heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



IV 

Strength 



IV 

Strength 

BLESSED MASTER, I come to hide 
myself in Thee. Thou art infinite, 
and I sink my finite life in Thine 
eternal years. Thou art loving, and I bury 
my harsh nature in the beauty of Thine over- 
flowing friendship. Thou art powerful, and 
my weakness is forgotten as I hold Thy 
hand. Thou art light, and my darkness is 
made brilliant as Thou dost look upon me. 
Thou art purity, and my sins are burned 
away as I fall before Thy glorious white- 
ness. I am not afraid of Thee, though 
Thou art so mighty, O Christ ; and, if I 
am ashamed, it is not from distrust of Thee, 
but because I know I am so unworthy. 
Stretch out Thine arms, and let me rest 
in them for a while. So shall I gain 
strength for my journey. Amen, my Lord, 
Amen. 

in 



112 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Master, my work oppresses me, and my 
troubles weigh heavily upon me. There 
is so much to be done, and the way is hidden 
in shadows. My heart is lonely. Human 
affection has failed, and no man knows of 
the great bitterness of my spirit. But Thou 
knowest all better than I can tell Thee, and 
so I cast myself before Thee. Deal with 
me as Thou wilt ; only love me, love me, 
that my soul may be at peace. Is not my 
work Thy work ? Dost Thou not feel my 
troubles as if they were Thine own, O Thou 
who didst live the human life ? Didst Thou 
not travel a lonely way, misunderstood and 
rejected of men ? In Thy glorified human- 
ity I bury myself. Send out Thy light and 
Thy truth, that they may lead me. Inspire 
me with courage, that I may contend as 
one for whom the Almighty careth. Call 
me by my name, and I shall be content. 
Amen. 



O my Jesus, for whom I am watching, as 
Thou passest by wilt Thou not look for me 
and call me ? Thou knowest the obstacles 
keeping me so easily, alas ! from mastery. 



Strength 1 1 3 

I have not much strength in myself, but 
rather am I feeble and lame and little, and 
not wise. I stand aghast and afraid in the 
face of life's great beating ways ; I tremble 
at human bitterness and the strife of 
tongues, which I cannot seem to escape ; and 
the waves of strange waters roll over me, 
and the clouds hide the light. Take my 
hand, O Thou dear Christ, and lead me. 
But do Thou more than that. Give me 
power to triumph over these distresses and 
make them serve Thy high purpose, rather 
than master me and keep me down. Let 
me face them and take them in honest, 
fearless hand, and change them to exultant 
wings upon which I shall rise ever higher, 
carrying the world with me, until the sun 
shall shine perpetually, and life's weaknesses 
and struggles end in the peace and calm 
and love and blessing of Thy presence. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear King of life, whose power alone 
can make me live, aid me that I may strive 
and faint not. Let me do, and be Thou the 
might to bring the doing to success. Show 



114 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

me how to exercise in Thy cause, and make 
Thou the banner to unfurl in victory when 
Thou pleasest. Only keep me earnest and 
active for righteousness, for truth, and for 
Thee, until at last the day of harvest shall 
come. For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



O my dear Saviour, help me to grow. 
Blessed Spirit, lead me day by day, that I 
may live the life God would have me live. 
Let me neither be discouraged by failure, 
nor think lightly of my sin. But as by Thy 
blood, O Christ, my sins are washed away, 
so by Thy power make me brave and happy 
in following Thee. And at last bring me 
to the perfect life, for Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, hold me fast to Thee, that I 
may not yield to temptation. O, keep me 
from selling all the dear joy and peace and 
rest of eternity for the foolish glitter of an 
hour's sin. Make me spiritual, dear Lord, 
that my body and its passions may be con- 
trolled by my spirit. Make me true, that I 



Strength 115 

may hate and abhor deceit. Help me to live 
in this present for the future, that the great- 
ness of the eternal weight of glory may ex- 
ceed in my sight and desire the light afflic- 
tion of the moment. Yea, dear Lord, keep 
Thou my birthright for me, that I lose it not. 
And then at last I shall receive it at Thy 
hand, when temptations are over and when 
struggle with sin is ended. For Thine own 
dear sake I ask it. Amen. 



O my Friend and Master, Thou know- 
est how sick I am. My body is full of 
pain, and my life is hard and my spirit 
lonely. Come and heal me. Speak the 
word, and I shall be well. I ask not for 
freedom from pain, but for strength and 
courage. I ask not for quiet and rest, but 
for peace in my soul. Do with me as Thou 
seest best ; let me be alone in the rush of 
the human contest, unheeded in the haste 
of human greed ; only let me not go on 
without Thy guiding hand and Thy dear, 
cheering voice, for I cannot live without 
Thee. All else can go, but Thou must 
never go. Speak, and let me hear Thee. 



1 1 6 Prayers for the Qiiiet Hour 

Touch me, and let me feel Thine everlast- 
ing arms beneath me. Bless me, bless me, 
even now ; and then all shall be well, both 
now and forever. Amen and Amen. 



Dear Christ, help me to be bright and 
rich and happy in my life, that so others 
may be blessed and I myself may be of 
service to Thee. Teach me how to comfort 
men, and give me faith in Thee and in all 
Thy world, that I may lead souls nearer to 
Thee. Pour Thy spirit into my heart, that 
I may be a light in darkness and a stay in 
trouble, even as Thou art my Light and my 
Rock. And do this for me, dear Jesus, of 
Thine abundant mercy, which Thou didst 
show when Thou didst die for me. Amen. 



My Master, grant me Thy power, for 
without it I am weak indeed. I ask it, not 
that I may make a great show amongst 
men, nor yet that I may be free from the 
pain of struggle, but only that I may be 
filled with Thyself. I thank Thee that 
Thou art so ready and willing to give. I 



Strength 1 1 7 

praise Thee, dear Friend, that Thou wilt 
listen to my prayer. And I beseech Thee 
help me to pray more earnestly, to count 
my work and my gifts as empty unless 
haloed in prayer, and to be brave enough 
to wait until Thy blessed will shall bring 
all I desire and long for. Hear me, O 
blessed Spirit, and guide me, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, make me free, for I cannot 
break my own chains. Lighten me with 
Thy truth ; fill me with Thy courage ; lead 
me into Thy sunshine. O, do not let me 
go bound through life, fettered by sin, by 
fear, by ignorance, by sorrow. Do not let 
me drag my feet to action, when Thou 
canst make them swift in Thy service. Do 
not let my heart beat in dull measure as 
bound by duty, when it can throb with 
delight at Thy touch. And, dearest Christ, 
let me do all things for Thee, that so Thy 
power may enter into me through Thy ser- 
vice. So shall I mount with wings as an 
eagle ; so shall I run and not be weary, and 
walk and not faint. Amen. 



1 1 8 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

Dear Lord God, I long to help men. I 
am hungry to hear Thee tell me my life is 
not in vain. Wilt Thou therefore guide 
me, that I may indeed do something for 
my fellows ? Let me see the oneness of all 
work, and so have a conscious common 
purpose with men everywhere. Let there 
be in me that influence which shall make 
me know that I stand not alone, but in the 
lives of my brothers. Make me ready to 
guide others as Thou dost guide me. And, 
O dear Master, Thyself so full of sympa- 
thy, teach me how to feel tenderly and 
compassionately for all who are in the heat 
of human struggle. So shall I help and be 
helped, and the world will come nearer to 
Thee. Grant this, dear Lord, for Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



Lord, I know Thou dost call me to 
greater zeal ; yet I am afraid and hesitate. 
What more can I do ? My resources are 
exhausted. But Thou art not exhausted ! 
Therefore let me bring my emptiness to 
Thee, that Thou mayest fill it. Let me 
look to Thee for guidance, that I lose not 



Strength 119 

heart. And I beseech Thee to bless all I 
do and make it useful in the advancement 
of Thy dear kingdom. For, O Christ, the 
world does want Thee; it is lonely and 
erring without Thee. Come quickly and 
save, dear Lord. Amen. 



Dear Lord, grant me courage that I may 
do my share, and be faithful in the per- 
formance of the task Thou hast placed be- 
fore me. Open mine eyes, that I may see 
the many things which need to be done. 
Let me see Thee still working in Thy world 
and calling upon me to work with Thee. 
May the difficulties which present them- 
selves make me strive but the more earnestly 
to be true. And grant me ever new 
strength, through Thy precious promises, 
to fulfil my part in the salvation of men. 
Through Jesus Christ. Amen. 



O Thou Man of Nazareth, who didst 
come to earth to proclaim a glorious mes- 
sage which Thy people have been so slow 
Jo receive, give me of Thine own divine 



120 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Spirit, that I may be a true worker, faint- 
ing not nor despairing. Grant me devotion 
and faith; give me patience and joy, that 
these may lead me to be strong and endur- 
ing, happy and brave. And do Thou so 
lead me to work and live that at last I may 
ascend to Thee and watch from on high 
the growing and the blossoming and the 
fruit-bearing of the seed I have planted. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, in all my sorrows I come to 
Thee. Thou only canst help and teach and 
bless. I ask Thee to save me from bitter- 
ness and complaining, from despair and 
from weakness. Hold Thine own cross be- 
fore me, and I will be brave, dear Christ. 
Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord, make me heroic, that wher- 
ever I toil I may make men better and life 
purer. Give me great faith in humanity, that 
I may serve men because I know that Thou 
art in man. Let me be quick to see and 
know that which men most deeply need, 



Strength 121 

that thus I may truly minister. And, above 
all else, O, let me give myself to the world 
in the most glorious self-sacrifice, so that 
my love and my life may enter into my ser- 
vice, even as Thy love and Thy life have 
entered into me and saved me. So shall 
the world be saved, and Thy kingdom come 
at last. Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. 



Dear Lord, I can do little for Thee, but 
I will try to do all that Thou askest of me. 
Keep me from studying myself rather than 
Thyself. Hold me from fear and self-de- 
preciation, and make me strong in the con- 
sciousness of Thy strength. And when 
Thou callest, whether the duty be pleasant 
or unpleasant, hard or easy, little or great, 
let me quickly respond, " Here am I ; 
send me." For Jesus' sake I ask it. Amen. 



Dear Lord and Friend, I do not wish 
to be ashamed of Thee or Thy gospel. It 
is not my best self, but my worst, that trem- 
bles and is afraid. In my heart of hearts 
I do rejoice in Thee and in Thy message. 



122 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Help me to assert that which I believe of 
Thee. Give me courage and wisdom to 
throw into all life the power of Thy gospel. 
Show me ajvisic i of what I shall be and of 
what the world shall be when we are re- 
deemed, and keep me loyal to Thee always, 
dear Christ. Amen and Amen. 



O my Jesus, who hast told me the story 
of my life, and then asked me to live it, 
press home to me, I pray Thee, the truth 
of my destiny. Let me be ready always to 
give an account to Thee of my trust. Let 
me live daily a clear and definite life. Show 
me heaven as my home, and cheer me with 
the sight of its beauty, that I may lead 
others to work for its coming, and to serve 
and love Thee. Then shall I indeed truly 
live, and at last, through Thee, enter into 
eternity. Amen. 



Dear, dear Lord, make me a brave, 
loving child. Thou knowest I am very 
weak, and it seems to me I can do nothing. 
Yet I would trust Thee, and remember 



Strength 123 

Thee, and tell others of Thee. Give me 
Thy hand to hold, that I may remember 
Thee always. Speak to me, that I may 
speak Thy word to many people. Teach 
me, and make me brave to rebuke sin and 
to tell men of Thy love. And 0, dearest 
Jesus, give me happiness because I am Thy 
child, and make me full of joy always. 
Amen. 



Dear Master, unto Thee would I make 
my vows. Help me to keep them. May I 
rejoice in Thy need of me, and may my 
need of Thee keep me ever near Thee. 
May I rest ever on Thy promises, and find 
my strength in the assurance of Thy love. 
And at last may I come to the land of per- 
fect fulfilment, and rejoice in Thy presence. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, forgive my weakness, and 
make me strong. And, when I am strong, 
then let me give the glory to Thee. O, 
forbid it that the glory of strength should 
ever make me think of myself. Help 



124 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

me to use the strength Thou dost give in 
Thy service. Inspire me with Thine own 
might, and make me brave in my feebleness 
to call upon Thee. For Thou, dear Lord, 
art alone my strength. To Thee I fly ; to 
Thee I pray ; on Thee I rely. Through 
Jesus Christ. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I long to be a better child, 
and to do all that Thou hast given me to 
do with a larger strength. Fill me with 
divine enthusiasm, that I may be eager to 
serve. Show me how to use new ways to 
advance Thy glory. Enlighten my under- 
standing, and increase my devotion. And 
above all else send Thy blessing, and be 
with me always. So shall I grow because 
Thou dost grow within me ; so shall I do 
better work because Thou workest through 
me. Amen. 



Dear Master of health and life, con- 
queror of sin and pain and death, touch me, 
I pray Thee, as Thou didst so graciously 
touch men of old, and make me what Thou 



Strength 125 

wouldst have me be. Give me true sight 
for my blindness, that I may see Thee. 
Grant me the power to walk in the heavenly 
way. Cure my disease that I sin no more > 
and give me everlasting life. So shall I 
understand Thy miracles of healing, being 
healed myself by Thee ; and so shall I go 
out to tell men of Thy goodness and power, 
that they, too, may live and be strong. 
Amen. 



Dear King of righteousness, I come to 
Thee, so conscious of my own weakness, 
so full of longing for Thy strength ! O, 
I can do nothing save as Thou dost teach 
me and lead me. Bring me to love sim- 
plicity, since Thou on earth didst live so 
humbly. Lead me to a bold statement of 
Thy truth and righteousness, and let me 
never be afraid. Teach me how I may really 
help men, and let me not leave empty hearts 
from which indeed the evil spirits have 
departed, but into which the spirit of love 
and of comfort has not entered. Lord, in 
the great evils which I deplore I look to 
Thee as my Leader and my Guide. Thou 



126 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

only canst reform men. Thou only canst 
purify. Wilt Thou not arise, O King all 
glorious, and bring me out of the bondage 
of sin into Thine own blessed sunlight of 
purity and goodness ? Hear and answer, 
for Thine own precious sake. Amen. 



Blessed Jesus, my Captain and my 
Leader, it is good to fight under Thee. As 
I struggle, I see Thee ahead of me, and 
Thine eye is upon me. When I fall, I 
look, and Thine arm is stretched out to lift 
me up. When I am in doubt, I lift up my 
head and Thy saving hand points out the 
direction. O, let me be Thy true, loving, 
and proved soldier. Give me victory over 
myself and over the world, that I may share 
in the grand triumph at last, and stand 
with Thee complete. Amen. 



O my Friend, my patient Christ, know- 
ing my weakness and my many failings, 
draw me near to Thee, that I may partake 
of Thy victory and tremble not when pas- 
sions threaten and lure me. Keep clearly 



Strength 127 

before me the dangers to body, mind, and 
soul which these unmastered passions may 
work; but keep even more clearly before 
me the power of my manhood when re- 
deemed and saved by Thee. Let me never 
give up the conflict, but do Thou cheer 
mine eyes with a vision of glory. Let me 
not forget my own need, and yet let me 
strive earnestly to help others in their need. 
And be Thou, O dear Christ, a strong 
beacon, leading me by Thy light to the haven 
of rest and the throne of victory. Amen. 



O Thou who didst triumph not by free- 
dom from suffering, but by changing suffer- 
ing to glory, teach me to follow Thee in 
this as in all other things. Hold me from 
weak complaining and selfish crying. Let 
me know my friends even in their disguise, 
and feel the strength which throbs through 
conflict. Show me the true meaning of 
victory, and make me triumphant in Thine 
own great triumph of love and salvation. 
So shall I find peace, and bring peace, and 
at last receive Thy blessing of peace. Amen, 
my Christ, Amen. 



128 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

O my dear Master, I would come to 
Thee and draw life and strength from Thee, 
for I am weak and hungry and weary. 
There is no food to be found on earth such 
as Thou canst give, and there is no help 
for my needy soul save in Thee. Feed 
me, I pray Thee, that I hunger not. Give 
me drink, that I thirst not. May my life 
be kept close to Thee, that I may draw all 
my comfort and power from Thee alone. 
And at last, through Thine own loving 
merits, call me to sit down at Thy table in 
Thy kingdom, never more to hunger, never 
more to go out from Thy dear presence. 
Amen. 



O my dear Christ, teach me how to 
endure in Thy way, not in my way. Give 
me calmness of spirit and of living; give 
me supreme confidence in Thee; give me 
great courage. Thou knowest how my 
heart aches for that which it has not. I 
ask not that Thou wouldst take the pain 
away, but that Thou wouldst help me to 
bear it patiently, and to draw from it 
strength for my service, so that I may give 



Strength 129 

to others in some measure that which I 
long for myself. And O, dear Lord, keep 
me very near to Thee, that I may know 
Thy comfort and learn of Thee how to live 
and serve and endure. For Thine own 
dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, help me to count it a joy to 
follow Thee in temptations and trials, un- 
like Thee in that Thou didst never fail, yet 
like Thee as Thy victory becomes mine. 
Let me see how all these things work to- 
gether for good. Let me know that trials 
rightly met make perfect the character and 
the life. And O, let me hold Thy hand 
and hear Thy voice, that I faint not nor fail 
on the way. For Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



My Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee 
to the end. Give me strength to perse- 
vere. Teach me to try, and I know my 
trying by Thy grace will succeed. Let me 
look to Thee for the only perfection I can 
ever hope to have. And make me strong 



130 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

by the very definite knowledge and effort 
of my life. If I must suffer, may my pain 
bring me nearer to Thee. If I must be 
lonely, let my loneliness reveal Thee to me 
as never before. And at last bring me to 
see Thy face, for that will be glory for me. 
Amen and Amen. 



Dear Lord, let me not be without char- 
acter, for so must my life be useless and 
my future hopeless. But hold up before 
me the glories of a manhood which is sin- 
cere and great and brave, and then let me 
see Thee, and hear Thee, and talk to Thee, 
that I may thus gain Thy graces and grow 
like Thee. O Christ, let not my life wither 
and die in uselessness and despair, but make 
me like Thee so that I may serve here and 
reign hereafter. Amen. 



Dear King of glory and life, come to 
my poor, empty, twisted nature, and fill it 
with Thy blessed life ; else I must die, for I 
cannot breathe or rest in my own poor way. 
Teach me to remember my immortality. 



Strength 131 

Let me glory in service. Make me useful 
to Thee, and draw me near to Thee. Then 
I can breathe Thy breath, and satisfy my 
hunger at Thy table, and feel myself strong 
in Thy divine life, which Thou dost give 
even now through Thy Son Jesus Christ, 
and which Thou wilt give eternally to those 
who seek it here. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord, who didst face evil and mas- 
ter it because Thou wast so true and so 
good, teach me to live in such fashion as to 
conquer. Let me share in Thy victory by 
following in Thy steps. Set me in the right 
place, and keep me there. Show me the 
way in which I should go. Give me a 
nature sanctified and true. And let me 
serve Thee with all my might. So wilt 
Thou hold me from falling, and redeem me 
with Thy love. Amen and Amen. 



Father of lights, guard me against all 
indulgence, I beseech Thee, lest my mind 
be dulled, and my soul scarred, and my life 
ruined. As the Master gave up even things 



132 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

innocent, that His blessed work of redemp- 
tion might not suffer, so do Thou teach me 
to follow denial, that so I may be kept true 
and clean. O God, open men's eyes, that 
they may see the truth ; and make the way 
plain before their faces, that Thy people 
may struggle towards perfection, and at last, 
through the Redeemer, attain unto glory. 
For His dear sake. Amen. 



God, my Father, make me righteously 
zealous for Thee. Let no fear or weakness 
hold me from glad enthusiasm in Thy cause, 
which is the cause of eternity. If I am 
weary, then give me new power; if I am 
anxious, then inspire me, that I may 
see visions. And at . last bring me to 
Thy service in heaven. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



O my King, my Christ, how clear Thou 
makest those things which are to me most 
perplexing ! I thank Thee. Help me to 
see myself truly as God's son ; help me to 
see and know God as my Father, and Thy- 



Strength 133 

self as my Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as 
my Power, and let my life be full of service 
for Thee and the world for which Thou 
didst die, so that at last I may come to 
Thy joy and see Thee face to face. For 
Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



My dear Christ, I thank Thee for work. 
I can do little, but I will do all I can. I am 
human, but I will try to bring my humanity 
into touch with Thee, that I may grow divine 
some day. I am cowardly, but I ask Thee 
for courage. I am weary often, but I pray 
to Thee for strength. I hesitate now and 
then, and wonder how I can go forward ; 
but I hear Thy voice saying, " Come," and 
that is enough. O, let me work more and 
harder, and let me be happy in my toil, 
and bless me with a look which shall be 
worth all the trials. Amen, my Jesus, 
Amen. 



Yes, my Christ, this is my prayer, a 
prayer which is not only uttered with my 
lips, but sent as a cry from my heart. For 



I 34 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

alas ! dear Lord, I feel my cowardice, and 
my nervous trembling that cannot learn to 
wait, and my coldness, which is suspicious 
and almost hates. Only as Thou dost come 
to me and live in me can I grow into the 
heroism that gladly lives to help, and into 
the patience that calmly trusts, and into the 
love that sees Thee everywhere and in 
everything. Enter my heart, therefore, O 
my dear Master, that I may be Thy child, 
ruled and led by Thee. And so shall I at 
last enter thy kingdom and see Thee face 
to face. Amen. 



Dear Lord, fill me with great zeal and 
with great love, that my heart sink not in 
weakness and my life fail not in devotion. 
Grant me obedience to Thy call, that in 
simple faith I may go on working and 
praying and giving for the world's salva- 
tion. Grant me that desire which flows 
out of a devoted spirit, so that I may keep 
in myself the joy of Thy truth. Fill me 
with hope, that the vision of a converted 
world ever may be with me to inspire and 
bless all my worship and my toil. And, 



Strength 135 

above all else, do Thou, O blessed Master, 
stand ever before me, that I may follow 
Thee, and strive as Thou didst strive for the 
world's redemption. So at last will Thy 
prayer be answered, and all nations shall 
call Thee King. So at last shall the world 
own Thee conqueror, and look to Thee. 
Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen. 



My God, keep me. I am afraid. Life is 
so big, and I am so dependent ! Let me 
look to Thee alone for guidance. Make me 
clean in heart and purpose. Inspire me 
with love through the vision of a perfection 
to come ; and grant me perseverance ; O, 
let me not tire in the struggle. For Thou 
hast said that they who endure shall be 
saved. Amen, my Lord, Amen. 



Dear Lord, accept my vows. I am only 
a small part of Thy great kingdom, but I 
know that Thou dost love me and that Thou 
wilt help me to keep my promises. Show 
me more clearly the vision of a perfect 
world. Give me greater faith in the com- 



136 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

ing of that glorious day. And inspire me, 
that I may lead some one child of Thine 
into the light of Thy love. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



V 

Faith 



V 
Faith 

BLESSED MASTER, show me how 
and when and where I may bear 
witness for Thee. O, I do love 
Thee; Thou knowest that I love Thee. 
Let me not be ashamed of that love, even 
as Thou art not ashamed of Thine own dear 
love for me, though I am so sinful and un- 
worthy. Grant me the believing heart, the 
tender touch, the earnest word, that I may 
do somewhat to lead men to know and love 
Thee. And may I be so true to Thee that 
my whole being may be consecrated to 
Thee, my lips, my hands, my life, my all ! 
Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord, make me like those whom 
Thou didst bless of old because they kept 
their father's word and held to their vows. 
Let me vow unto Thee and keep it. Let me 
for Thy sake, for the world's sake, resist the 
x 39 



140 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

temptations of the flesh, and so gain the 
power which is divine. Hasten the day 
when all men through denial shall learn to 
worship Thee. And let me pray and work 
that that day may come the more speedily. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



O my Friend, I am grieved that I have 
ever doubted Thee. Forgive me, I pray 
Thee. And make me so full of love for 
Thee that nothing can ever disturb my 
peace. Let me rest in Thy greatness. 
When I am tired, let me remember how 
near Thou art. Give me the grace of 
comfort and the strength of patience 
which were Thine, my Christ, when Thou 
wast on earth. And after the battle give 
peace and joy, dear Lord, forever. Amen. 



Yea, my Master, I will trust Thee, and 
not be anxious or afraid. Thou knowest 
how weak I am, how often I am beset 
with burdensome fears and worries, which 
eat up my strength and sap my courage. 
Keep me from fretting. Give me calmness 



Faith 141 

of heart and life, of speech and manner. 
Let me reason how all things must work to- 
gether for good if only I love Thee. Let 
me find peace by doing for others. Above 
all, let me look to Thee always, that my 
troubled spirit may sink into the calm of 
Thy greatness even as the troubled stream 
sinks into the vastness of the ocean. So 
shall I live my best life, and so shall I prove 
my love. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, help me to confess Thee truly 
in life as in speech. Let me remember that 
the faith Thou dost ask for is a daily ser- 
vice. O, keep me from lip-worship, while 
heart and life are far from Thee. And may 
I so earnestly speak Thy name and follow 
Thy example that my confession may please 
Thee and bless my fellow men. For Thine 
own dear sake. Amen. 



O my God, I thank Thee for all Thou 
dost ask of me, for Thou dost never ask 
without granting help to fulfil. Give me 
the grasp and knowledge of life which shall 



142 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

make me submit all to Thee. Make me 
humble and patient, brave and believing, 
that amidst all human experiences I may 
never depart from Thee. And when at 
length the journey is ended, then do Thou, 
blessed Master, Thyself fold me in sleep, 
that I may awake in Thy presence, satisfied 
with Thy likeness, to live forever with 
Thee. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I cry to Thee. Thou know- 
est the fears and doubts. Thou knowest 
the despair and the crying, for Thou wast 
man on earth. O, hold me from gloom and 
sadness. Make me strong and trustful. 
Kill my doubts. Hold me near to Thee. 
Speak to me in words of cheer. Draw me 
out of the mire of sin and unbelief, and 
place my feet upon the rock of faith and 
love. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I thank Thee for Thy good- 
ness in teaching and leading me as a little 
child. Thou knowest my weakness, and so 
Thou dost gently draw me to Thyself, and 



Faith 143 

dost tell me what to say to Thee. Thou 
knowest my hunger of soul, and Thou dost 
supply food which satisfies. Let me sing 
hymns to Thee, dear King, hymns of faith 
and love. Let my earthly life be filled with 
prayer and praise, and at last suffer me, un- 
worthy but redeemed, to worship Thee in 
heaven. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, give me confidence in Thee. 
Surely Thou hast spoken, and I cannot 
doubt Thee. I rest on Thy promises. I 
know Thy Spirit within bears witness with 
my spirit that I am a child of God. Let 
me rest in this, and not be afraid. O dear 
Lord, when doubts and fears assail, let me 
cling yet more closely to Thee. When the 
storms of passion rage, let me look to the 
Rock that is higher than I. When I seem 
so poor and unworthy, let me fix my eyes 
on Thy glory, and hear Thee say I am 
Thine. And when the struggle is over, 
when the growing-time is done, then, dear 
Christ, receive me, completely saved, into 
Thy home and mine. For Thy precious 
blood's sake. Amen. 



144 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

Dearest Lord, Thou blessed promise, 
Thyself the prophecy of hope, O, make me 
strong in my faith and in my love, that I 
may do all I can to hasten the coming of 
Thy kingdom. I know Thou art true, and 
that all Thy promises will be fulfilled. I 
love Thy prophecies which tell of the 
progress and the glorious methods of Thy 
work for the world's salvation. Inspire me 
with Thy strength that I may never grow 
weary or weak. Fill me with divine hope, 
that I may catch the vision of Thy king- 
dom. And O, dear Jesus, keep me pure, 
that I may reflect Thy light and lead men 
to Thee. Amen and Amen. 



Dear Father, I thank Thee that I can 
come near to Thee and find in Thee all I 
need and all I can ever desire. Help me 
to be unselfish in my prayers, seeing in 
Thy glorious goodness the assurance of Thy 
help. May I love the silence through 
which Thou dost speak, and may I be 
quick to hear Thy still voice sounding 
in the tumult of human sound. And O, 
dear Christ, let me never, because of ig- 



Faith 145 

norance or sin or doubt, turn away from 
Thee. For I know that only in Thee can 
I find rest and power and peace. Amen. 



Yes, Lord, I come, though late, to obey 
Thee. I have followed long enough my 
own way, and I have found it a way of 
loneliness and sorrow. Now I would fain 
follow Thy way. O, make me Thy willing, 
loving, believing servant, for I know Thou 
hast planned only good for me. Make me 
glad in my obedience, and through the 
clouds let me see the sunshine of Thy dear 
love, that I may never doubt Thee or leave 
Thy side. Amen and Amen. 



Dear Lord, give me faith and patience 
and love, that I may myself be aroused to 
newness of life, and that I may help in my 
church and in the Christian world to awaken 
men to the glorious cause of preaching the 
gospel. It is Thy work, and mine only be- 
cause Thine. I know that Thy kingdom 
will come. I know that at last every child 
of Thine will acknowledge Thee. But, 



146 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Lord, I am weak and ignorant and per- 
plexed, and cannot see afar. Wilt Thou 
not guide me, helping me to work where 
Thou hast placed me with all joy and en- 
thusiasm, and bringing my work to such 
fruitage as Thou seest best ? Hear and 
answer, O Christ, for Thine own sake. 
Amen. 



Blessed Saviour, show me a vision of 
life, and then help me to serve as the vision 
bids me. Keep me from following poor, 
human standards of conduct and life. Keep 
me from littleness of faith and narrowness 
of service. Work Thou through me, and 
make me quick to respond to Thine in- 
spirations, so that I may have a share in the 
glorious work of redemption, and rejoice at 
last with Thee in the day of the new heavens 
and the new earth. Amen. 



My Jesus, in whom I have faith, and 
from whom my faith comes, increase my 
faith until it controls me and becomes my 
life. May it bring me to noble actions and 



Faith 147 

high endeavor ; may it lead me to serve and 
persevere ; may it reveal to me the hidden 
things of Thy mercy and love ; and may it 
at last lead me to the golden gates, and then 
give place to immortal love as I enter in 
and see Thee on Thy throne. Amen. 



Dear Christ, I thank Thee for Thy 
gracious message. It is high, but I can 
attain unto it if Thou wilt help me. Grant 
me self-mastery in the noblest use of self 
and all its powers. Give me the tender 
grace of mercy, that I may care for all that 
lives. Inspire me with intelligence that I 
may know the truth, and with faith that I 
may truly believe. So shall I live aright, 
my Lord, and so only. Amen. 



VI 

Peace 



VI 

Peace 

DEAR LORD, grant me Thy peace. 
I do not ask for earthly peace 
which removes trouble or dulls 
the senses, but for that holy calm which 
never fails by day or by night, in joy or in 
sorrow, but ever lifts the soul to rest upon 
Thee. Thou wast so peaceful Thyself, 
dear Christ, in Thy life ! Haste and worry 
and anxiety were never Thine, but a blessed 
calm which told of mastery. May it not be 
mine also ? Speak to me, Lord. Bid the 
waves, which seem sometimes so big and 
threatening, to show themselves as under 
Thy loving control. Touch my wearied 
heart, that it sink not in despair. Make me 
glad and brave and joyous always in the 
knowledge that I am Thine. And in all my 
ways lead me by Thine own hand, and 
keep me in perfect peace. Amen. 

IS 1 



152 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

O eternal God, who madest earth and 
man, and who carest and plannest for both 
of these, Thy wonderful creations, teach 
me to rest calmly on Thee. Show me my 
life in the large as Thou dost lighten it. 
Let my conscious weakness lead me to cling 
more closely to Thee, and through earth's 
struggles and sorrows bring me at last to 
Thy peace, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord and Father of us all, I thank 
Thee for the memories of childhood and for 
the good which is yet before me in the riper 
years. O, let not the strength and courage 
and hope of early years depart from me as 
I stand in the thick of the fight. Give me 
a dear peace, a quiet confidence, a sight of 
Thine own face. And as a little child let 
me enter at last the great and enduring life. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



My Christ, Thou who didst come to tell 
the story, and to open the way, and to re- 
deem our hearts that they might fly unim- 
peded to the Father, teach me the meaning 



Peace 153 

of all these unutterable longings of my 
heart. Let them not frighten me and cause 
me to sink in sorrow. Let them not grow 
ignoble because of my selfishness. But 
make them to be golden chains drawing me 
to Thee and Thy service, and grant me 
through them to find peace everlasting here, 
as I live and toil, and at last there, where I 
shall see Thee with these eyes and feel 
Thine arms about me forever. Amen. 



Blessed Lord of all, Thou dear Christ, 
who in Thine own human life didst meet 
and master all hindrances, turning even the 
cross into an eternal glory, hear me, as I 
call to Thee from the midst of my life full 
of contest and perplexity and care, and 
grant me courage and peace. Hold me 
from cowardice, and tell me how these ex- 
periences are a part of my education. Teach 
me to change my trials to blessings and to 
mount to success even, it may be, through 
failure. Keep me close to Thine own dear 
self, that in prayer I may be strengthened. 
And grant me such a clear knowledge of 
life, its end and its aim, that I may go right 



154 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

onward, never flinching, never turning or 
looking backward, until I hear Thy great 
voice crying, " Welcome," and fall, exhausted 
but happy, to kiss Thy feet. Amen. 
Amen. 



Dear Spirit of God, Spirit of holiness 
and peace, enter my life, and leave it never 
more. Thou knowest my weakness ; make 
me earnest and full of zeal. Thou knowest 
my ignorance ; show me the truth. Reveal 
to my hungry heart the Christ who can lead 
and care for me. And, above all, grant me 
peace of soul, the quiet mind which fears 
not, but goes forward to do God's will in 
God's way. Amen. Amen. 



Dear Lord, when I hide in Thee, I find 
calmness and peace and strength. Let me 
think of Thee as knowing and caring, that 
my trust may have a sure foundation. Let 
me drive away all anxiety and worry, that 
in Thee I may find a solution for all my 
questions and a help in all my struggle. 
Above all, let me seek Thee, love Thee, 



Peace 155 

serve Thee first and best, that so through 
Thee I may come to those unspeakable joys 
which Thou hast prepared, even here, for 
Thine own, and which await me in a better 
land in unstinted measure. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Christ, I am afraid when I think 
of myself, but I am brave and strong when 
I think of Thee. O, I do so long to see 
Thee and hear Thy voice ! Wilt Thou not 
come near to me even now, dear Lord, and 
let me feel Thy presence ? Speak peace to 
my troubled soul. Speak courage to my 
faltering spirit. And may Thy presence be 
so real to me that, when at last I appear 
before Thee, I may know Thee and cry, 
" My Lord and my God ! " Hear me, for 
Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, help me to accept Thy sac- 
rifice, that Thou mayest indeed be my High 
Priest. I bring my sins that Thou mayest 
wash them away, and I bring myself that 
Thou mayest name me there before the 



156 Prayers for the ^iiiet Hour 

throne, and I look to Thee that Thou mayest 
guide me always. Jesus, Thou art my only 
my beloved Priest. O, give me the bless- 
ing of peace, I pray Thee, forever and for- 
ever. Amen. 



Dear Lord, my wisdom and my guide, 
lead me, I pray Thee, in the right path, and 
bring me near to Thee. O, Thou knowest 
my foolishness, and my faults are not hid 
from Thee. As Thou didst die on the cross 
for my salvation, so bring me to the glory 
of Thy resurrection, and make me wise with 
Thine own wisdom, that I may find peace 
and calm and courage here, and at last 
heaven and Thee. Amen. 



Dear Saviour, how can I thank Thee for 
Thy rich love show r n in so many ways and 
having so many and countless messages ? 
Especially how can I praise Thee for the 
ministering servants whom Thou dost send 
to bless and guide and help me ? O, may I 
read the truth, and never forget it, that my 
life and struggle are known in heaven, that 



Peace 157 

earth and heaven are all a part of God's 
blessed world where He reigns and loves. 
And as I look upward for aid, and lift mine 
eyes to my King, asking for comfort, may I 
find that peace which can come only when 
the child knows a Father's voice and feels a 
Father's touch. Amen. 



Dear Lord, help me to know and do 
and love Thy will. Let me learn obedi- 
ence, even though it be through suffering. 
It is so good to obey Thee, for Thou canst 
understand my desire, and feel for my weak- 
ness. Let Thy will be mine, and my will 
Thine, so that there will be no struggle 
in obedience, but only a glad following of 
my best friend. And, dear Lord, may this 
obedience make me quiet and peaceful, 
contented and strong, since to do Thy will 
is to be one with Thee. Hold me from 
the hard following of duty and from the 
lifeless keeping of law ; but lead me in 
glad, free service to give myself, all I have 
and all I am, to Thee. And then at last 
let me hear Thy blessed word, " Well done." 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



158 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Dear King, my King, I worship Thee, 
and I rejoice in Thy rule. No authority 
but Thine can satisfy me. Let me learn 
the strength and the love and the peace of 
Thy reign, and may Thy kingdom be fixed 
in my heart. There may Thy throne be 
placed ; there may I find Thee and worship 
Thee ; and thither may I go to learn Thy 
will. In Thee, O perfect King, may I find 
peace. In Thee, rest. In Thee, all that 
my soul can desire. And at last I know I 
shall find perfection through Thee, for Thou 
wilt make me like Thyself in all Thy glory. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, I do thank Thee for dark 
days. They make me stronger, and draw 
me nearer to Thee, and help me to know 
myself. And O, at the end there comes 
such a dear peace of heart that I know that 
Thou all the while hast been holding it for 
me. Dear, dear Christ, make me patient 
and brave when I am lonely and misunder- 
stood, when I am in pain or grief, when I 
cannot see rny way. Hold my hand tightly, 
and I will walk with Thee, whether I see 



Peace 159 

Thee or not, knowing that " at evening 
time it shall be light," and that in the 
morning Thou wilt " stand on the shore." 
Amen. 



VII 
Grace 



VII 

Grace 

ODEAR LORD, this is my desire: 
I would grow in grace that I may 
please Thee. I would grow in 
grace that I may be like Thee. Wilt Thou 
not help me to do all Thou askest, that I 
may be fed by Thine appointed means? 
Wilt Thou not keep my eyes fixed on 
Thee, not on myself? Wilt Thou not teach 
me how the little things of my daily life are 
the measures of growth ? And, above all, 
dear Jesus, make love for Thee the power 
to inspire and direct me. So shall I gain 
Thy likeness in some feeble way even here, 
and at last I shall, with all my earthliness 
removed, see Thee face to face when I 
awake after Thy likeness. Amen. 



O my Lord, I know that Thou art ready 
to bless me above all that I can ask or 
think. Give me grace to approach Thee 
163 



164 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

sincerely, earnestly, constantly, and trust- 
ingly* that so I may obtain that which 
Thou seest best for me. And, whatever 
Thou in Thy love givest or withholdest, 
may I never cease to cling to Thee, my 
only hope and comfort and stay. For dear 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Blessed Christ, how Thou dost arouse 
my desires by the sweetness of Thy mes- 
sage ! Can there be anything dearer than 
to love Thee, and to know that Thou dost 
love me ? O, let me live to Thee. May 
nothing hide Thee from me, but may all 
Thy gifts to me sound a harmony, in which 
Thy name shall be praised and Thy good- 
ness to Thy children be told. Amen. 



Yes, my Christ, I will indeed serve 
Thee, if Thou wilt but give me patience and 
wisdom. Help me to feel for men and for 
Thee : for men wandering far from peace 
and goodness, for Thee who hast died and 
who art longing for Thy children's love. 
May no selfish desire for ease and rest 



Grace 165 

bind me to idleness when there is so much 
to be done. May no fear of pain or suffer- 
ing or loneliness or misunderstanding hold 
me from this love and service. And grant, 
O my dear Jesus, that some souls may 
come near to Thee through my poor guid- 
ing, so that at last I may sit in Thy 
kingdom and see the light in Thy holy 
face as Thou dost welcome them, and 
know that I helped them to find Thee. 
Amen. 



O dear God, indeed I will let Thee 
keep me. I know only too well my un- 
worthiness and my sin, and that I have no 
claim save Thy Fatherhood. But since 
Christ came and declared it I live by that 
claim. I know that Jesus died for me that 
I might be reclaimed. I know that Thou 
hast opened life to me that I may go out 
and serve. O, may the assurance that Thou 
art ever with me make me brave, and may 
the vision of the glories to come make me 
earnest. For only as I think of Thee as 
loving me and calling me by name can I 



1 66 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

find courage ; only as I remember Thy 
presence can I be at rest. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I thank Thee that I can 
learn much from all whom I meet and all 
of whom I hear. Teach me to seek, that I 
may find ; to follow after, that I may grow ; 
to work, that I may achieve ; to be gentle, 
that I may be like Thee. And grant that 
those who know Thee not, and yet who 
have so rich a measure of Thy Spirit by 
nature, may at last fall before Thee and 
call Thee King and Redeemer. Amen. 



My Christ, Thou hast conquered indeed. 
Yet dost Thou wait, that I may share in 
Thy victory. Therefore let me go forth 
fearlessly to preach Thy truth and live Thy 
life. Teach me how to lay foundations 
that others may build thereon. Let me be 
brave in enduring hardship, that I may do a 
good work and not be ashamed. Grant 
me grace to persevere unto the end, and 
may I at last witness Thy final triumph 
when Thy kingdom shall come with power. 
Amen, my conquering Lord. Amen. 



VIII 

Happiness 



VIII 

Happiness 

DEAR LORD, make me happy. 
Nay, do Thou rather teach me 
how to find that true happiness 
which Thou art ever sending to Thy chil- 
dren and pleading with them to accept, 
when, alas ! they are blind and deaf and 
dumb. Let me keep the true from the 
false, Thy happiness from the world's. 
Show me how unselfish and lasting Thy 
pleasures always are. May they draw me 
ever nearer to Thee, and make me a better 
man. And at last crown them all with 
that greatest joy of all, the sight of Thee in 
Thine own heaven. Amen. 



Blessed Christ, I do believe that Thou 
hast redeemed the earth, even though the 
fulness of Thy redemption is not yet seen. 
Because Thou art God I know Thy prom- 
ises and assurances cannot fail. And with 
169 



170 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

great joy I see everywhere signs of the 
coming end when at last all men shall call 
Thee Lord, and sin shall be cast down for- 
ever. Aid me and inspire me, O Thou 
dear Christ, that I may rejoice in all my 
work, hearing, while I labor, the song of 
coming victory. Let me sing and be glad, 
no matter though the night be dark and 
trouble heavy. And at last, O my King, at 
last, let the day dawn and the shadows flee 
away. Amen. Amen. 



O my dear Master, help me to work 
diligently, that I may be profitable unto 
Thee ; lovingly, that I may be happy and 
make others happy; faithfully, that life 
may never suffer through my idleness; 
hopefully, that I may see the result of my 
toil. And do Thou work with me, and 
bless all I do, dear Jesus, for I do it in Thy 
name and for Thy sake. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, Thou knowest. O, I thank 
Thee that no secrets are hid from Thee. 
And Thou not only knowest, but Thou 



Happiness 171 

carest, and Thou lovest, and Thou blessest, 
and Thou art ever near, and I can lean 
hard upon Thee. Keep me, my dearest 
Friend, from falling. Open the sanctuary 
of Thy love, and teach me how to work 
on, happily, lovingly, bravely, even unto 
the end. And then, my Christ, take me 
and give me rest, sweet rest. Amen and 
Amen. 



Dear Father, I thank Thee for my 
right to call Thee mine. I praise Thee 
that I can call myself Thy child. And I 
glorify Thee that Thy dear Son, Jesus 
Christ, came to reveal Thee to me, and to 
make me worthy to enter into Thy pres- 
ence. O help me to live as Thy child. 
May I find my happiness in Thee. May I 
look to Thee for safety. May I grow 
daily as Thou wouldst have me grow. As 
a child may I keep close to Thee. As a 
child may I trust Thee. And O, as a 
Father be very tender and gracious, for I 
am only a weak child, wandering and easily 
frightened. Protect me here, hold me 
closely to Thyself, and at last let me see 



172 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Thee and be with Thee forever. For Jesus' 
sake and through His love. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I would serve Thee with 
heart and happiness of spirit. Grant me 
intelligence that I may know life's mean- 
ing, and enthusiasm that I may be eager 
and active ; help me to see the vision of 
the end of all my work ; and above all help 
me to see Thee. Let me rejoice in voice 
and feeling, let me be glad in every act, 
that my life may be a symphony of praise, 
and that my soul may know the sweetest 
of pleasures, even the living for God. I 
ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



IX 

The Bible 



IX 

The Bible 

DEAR SAVIOUR, I thank Thee 
for Thy book, my guide, my stay, 
my comfort. I know it is from 
Thee, and I know Thou speakest to me 
through its words. O may I prize it and 
use it ever more and more. Help me to 
reverence it, the book which Thou hast 
preserved through all the years with their 
troubles and dangers. Help me to find 
beauty in every line, since Thou hast guided 
the men who wrote it, and the men who 
translated it, and so hast made it rich with 
Thine own glory. But, O dear Jesus, above 
all else let me see Thee everywhere in this 
book, Thou Saviour and lover of men, who 
wast not content only to come Thyself, but 
hast left for our unceasing cheer this story 
of Thy mercy reaching from the beginning 
to the end of time, from earth to heaven. 
I thank Thee, Lord, for this Thy so great 
1 75 



176 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

goodness, and I will hold to Thy Word for- 
ever. Amen. 



O my God, I thank Thee for the Book of 
books. It is indeed my guide and my stay, 
my light and my peace. Show me, dear 
Spirit, how to use it aright. Increase my 
faith in its power. Drive away from me all 
the doubts that poor human wisdom may 
bring. And, as I hold it near and dear to 
me, may I gain more and more of its rich- 
ness and peace, until at last I enter into 
Thy heaven and see Thee face to face. For 
Jesus' sake. Amen. 



My dear Lord, I thank Thee with all 
my heart for the gracious words that Thou 
hast spoken and art still speaking to me 
Thy child here on earth. Sometimes the 
way seems long and hard, and I am heart- 
sick and weary. Sometimes the confusion 
of life is so great that I sink down and am 
afraid. But I know that even then Thou 
art very near, and in quietness Thou dost 
speak precious words. Let me listen; let 



The Bible 177 



me heed ; let me believe. And, as I repeat 
these messages again and again to myself, 
may I grow brave, and learn that, though 
much is lost, Thy truth is unchangeable 
and eternal. Hear me, my King, and lead 
me, and bless me, and comfort me. Amen. 



Dear Lord, keep Thou near to me, and 
keep me near to Thee, else I cannot really 
live. In prayer and Bible and service let 
me commune with Thee as Thou dost com- 
mune with me. Near Thee I find peace. 
In Thy voice there is joy. Holding Thy 
hand, I am safe. For this I thank Thee, 
my Friend and my God. Amen. 



Dear King, all glorious ! I thank Thee 
truly for Thy message of inspiration and 
comfort. I do indeed long to love Thee 
and to hear Thy voice guiding and leading. 
Make me quick to hear and obey. May 
my love for my heavenly Father bring me 
to the loving care, which Thou hast made 
an instinct in my nature, for my parents, 
for my brothers and sisters, for the world. 



178 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

O let me live not for myself, but for those 
about me. Let me care not for any poor 
human praise, but for the honor that Thou 
wilt give to those who live as Thou dost 
ask. And, however tasks and troubles and 
sorrows may come in the midst of sunshine 
and delights and hours of peaceful com- 
munion with Thee, let me never forget that 
my life must gain its meaning from Thy 
life, and my love draw its power from Thine 
all-glorious and everlasting love. Amen. 
Amen. 



O blessed Spirit, I thank Thee for Thy 
guidance. Through the conflict and con- 
fusion of life Thou dost so quietly lead that 
I almost lose sight of Thee in the glory of 
the vision which Thou dost give me. O 
help me more and more to know my dear 
Lord. Open to the very depths the works 
of my God, that I may see Him and His 
love and His wisdom. Reveal in the dear- 
est of books those rich things which shall 
make me a very part of my Father, entering 
into His counsel and knowing His truth. 
Teach me, O blessed Spirit, the very secret 



The Bible 179 



of obedience, that no law or fear may com- 
pel me, but only the love of Him who thus 
asks me to draw near to Him. And may 
my life grow calm and rich and full and free 
through this divine friendship, so that I may 
walk with my God in peace and strength. 
For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



X 

Church and Public Worship 



Church and Public Worship 

OMY GOD, my God, I thank Thee 
for Thy church. I could not live 
but for the peace and joy of 
Thy sanctuary. I love to meet Thee there, 
and it is the refuge for my soul till the 
storms of life are past. I sorrow that not 
all find this joy. O my Christ, help them 
to see that nothing can ever really keep 
them from Thy house if they really love 
Thee. Teach me how to thank Thee for 
Thy goodness and to praise Thee for Thy 
glory. Let me hear Thy word gladly, and 
show me how to tell Thee my needs. 
Grant me Thy peace, dear Lord, in Thy 
house, and then at last take me to that 
heavenly house where I can abide forever, 
no longer sad or weeping, but happy with 
an everlasting joy. Amen. 



Lord, unworthy though I am, I gladly 
pbey Thy call and come to Thy feast. 

l8 3 



184 Prayers for the ^utet Hour 

Open mine eyes that I may see Thee ; purify 
my heart that I may love Thee ; temper 
my disposition that I may be kindly affec- 
tioned towards other men. And O com- 
fort and strengthen me for life's battle, I 
beseech Thee. Amen. 



O dear Lord, who didst establish Thy 
church that Thy children might have a spir- 
itual home on earth, help me to work ear- 
nestly for Thee, with love for all, and with 
patience, that at last all men may know 
Thee and call Thee their Saviour. I ask it 
for Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Blessed Master, Thou who didst come 
from heaven to dying men for their eternal 
healing, hear me as I bless Thee for the 
privilege I and my church have of serving 
Thee. May the same dear message which 
Thou didst proclaim be our message, for it 
is the only message of life. Keep me in 
reverence for Thy book, that I may glean 
from it all my teaching. Create in me that 
divine love which shall make all men dear 



Church and Public Worship 185 

to me because they are Thy children. And 
let me see Thee and Thee alone in all 
that comes of harvest and fruit-bearing, 
and hide myself and my unworthy life in 
the great fulness of Thy far-reaching salva- 
tion. So shall I be a faithful preacher in 
Thy sight, and so at last shall Thy kingdom 
come. Amen, my Lord. Amen. 



I thank Thee, dear Lord, for the precious 
hymns in which I can sing Thy praise and 
utter my prayer. In my doubt may they 
bring me peace. In my sorrow may they 
comfort me. Let them lead me to the cross 
whereby I am saved, and fill me with the 
holy desire to serve Thee. So shall I at 
last be permitted to join in that new song 
which Thy children shall sing before Thy 
throne. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I thank Thee for the joys of 
Thy house and for the privilege of worship. 
Help me to love Thy church, and to serve 
Thee with all my powers. May I feel Thy 
presence when I go to Thy temple. May 



I 86 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

I be full of the spirit of prayer and praise 
when the service begins, and ready to wor- 
ship with heart and voice. Make Thy 
church, O God, a might in the world. 
Pour out Thy Spirit, that Christian people 
may be awakened to new zeal ; and at last 
take me to the land where there will be no 
need of a temple, because Thou wilt be seen 
and known and loved perfectly. Amen. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, forgive me that I have taken 
so low and poor a view oftentimes of these 
covenants by which Thou dost bind me in my 
weakness to Thine own glorious strength. 
Let me bravely take a stand in all righteous 
living, that I may be on the side of truth. Let 
me grow from pledge to pledge, that my 
nature may thus enter into larger freedom 
and deeper service. Help me to follow 
Thine own example, O blessed Jesus, by 
leading others to obedience by my own sub- 
mission to covenants. And, above all, make 
me to see how Thine hand is always 
stretched out to clasp mine in a holy as- 
surance that with Thee I am safe. And 



Church and Public Worship 187 

then at last I shall come to Thee and need 
no longer any pledge or covenant, because 
temptation to wander will be gone when I 
see Thee face to face. Amen. Amen. 



My Lord, how lovely are Thy dwellings 
wherein Thou dost welcome Thy children, 
and how sweet the tie which Thou hast 
created to bind us to each other and 
to Thee ! I thank Thee for Thy church, 
and that Thou hast called me to partake of 
her joys. Show me ever more keenly the 
sacredness of her fellowship, the richness of 
her unity, and the glory of Thy presence 
never departing from her. And may I so 
serve Thee in this church militant that at 
last I may have a place in Thy church 
triumphant. For Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Master, Head of the family, O 
take me and make me what I long to be 
and what Thou only canst make me — a lov- 
ing member of Thy fold. May my life so 
make for peace that Thou mayst call me 



1 88 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

mother. May my work be so tenderly un- 
selfish that Thou mayst call me sister. 
May my struggles for holiness in the world 
be so brave that Thou mayst call me 
brother. Let no poor cowardice keep me 
from claiming my heritage, no poor sin 
hold me from cherishing Thy love. And 
at last take me and let me hear the Voice I 
have so longed to hear with these ears and 
see the Face mine eyes have been weary to 
behold, even Thy face and Thy voice, dear 
Lord Jesus. Amen. 



XI 

Home 



XI 

Home 

DEAR CHRIST, bless my home. 
Come and be my guest, for where 
Thou art there must be peace. 
Help me to make my house a sanctuary 
where Thou art lovingly worshipped. Make 
its influence felt, that men may be better 
when they come under my roof, and let 
all the sweet and tender things of life centre 
there. I ask not for wealth or ease or 
freedom from sorrow, but only for that 
faith which endures and that common 
affection which will not die. And then I 
know that the home here shall at last be 
transferred yonder, and made bright by the 
eternal Sun of Righteousness. Amen. 



Dear Jesus, how broad and yet how 

personal is Thy teaching ! Thy love seems 

so rich and full ; and by its side my little 

love grows mean, and shrinks to nothing. 

191 



192 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

Forgive me that I have prayed for the 
heathen more than I have prayed for my 
dear ones at home. Forgive me that I 
have thought of sin across the ocean while 
blind to sin at home. O make my motive 
so true and large that it cannot turn from 
any need, but may see the whole sphere of 
Thy kingdom. And may my ideal be so 
pure, and my struggle and sacrifice so 
honest that Thy kingdom may be brought 
a little nearer because I have lived. Amen. 



O my elder Brother, lift me up to the 
grand and high place where Thou dost 
stand, that I may see as Thou dost see and 
love as Thou dost love. Make me true in 
all the sacred associations of my family, 
full of gentleness and lasting affection. If 
I have any strength, may I use it to help 
the weak; if I am weak myself, may I 
loyally trust the strong. And out of my 
sacred fellowship with Thee may I come 
into a fellowship with all Thy children 
everywhere, loving all, knowing all, serv- 
ing all. So shall I be fitted for the great 
home where all shall be gathered about 



Home 193 



Thee, and where all shall live with Thee 
forever. Amen. 



Dear Lord, who doest all things well, I 
thank Thee for the sacred power which 
Thou hast imparted to womanhood. Since 
Mary was Thy mother Thou hast taught, 
as from the beginning, the holiness of 
those to whom Thou givest many gifts. 
Let all know their power, and praise Thee 
for it by using it for Thy glory. I thank 
Thee for my mother. I thank Thee for 
all the holy influences that come through 
my sisters. And I pray that Thy kingdom 
in its coming may bring rich reward and 
plenteous compensation for all who comfort 
and guide and help and serve in this im- 
perfect world, reflecting Thy light in the 
darkness, and cheering heavy hearts on the 
way. For Jesus' sake. Amen. 



XII 
Our Country 



i 



XII 

Our Country 

LORD JESUS, bless my country, 
and bless me as one of her citizens. 
Let me read of all that Thou hast 
done in the past, that I may be wise to 
know Thy way. Let me be earnest in all 
efforts towards goodness and against evil, 
that I may honestly look towards Thee. 
Let me hold ever to the great truths that 
Thou Thyself hast uttered for human guid- 
ance. Above all else, let me be truly a 
Christian, that, loving my King with all 
my heart, I may serve Him by serving my 
brethren. O keep my land a Christian 
land, and help me to answer my own 
prayer by being myself Thine and by seek- 
ing to lead others to Thee. For Thine 
own dear sake I ask it. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I do thank Thee for my 
land. I love it. Help me to love it intel- 
ligently and to serve its needs with all my 
197 



198 Prayers for the §>uiet Hour 

heart. May I be loyal to my heritage be- 
cause I am grateful to Thee. May I be 
active in my duty because I know I am 
Thy son. And may my sympathy be so 
inspired by Thee that human need may 
never call in vain. God bless my land. 
Make her rulers righteous and her people 
true. And so hasten Thy kingdom. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord, let me so labor wherever 
Thou mayest place me, sympathetically 
amongst men, giving of my strength, my 
life, that Thy children may come to Thee. 
Grant me a sure confidence and a com- 
plete burial of self, if only Thy kingdom 
may come, if only I may make some soul 
happy, and may make life easier for my 
brothers. Help me to love my land and 
to labor to bring it to Thee. Christ, make 
America Thine. And show me how I 
may answer my prayer by my own dili- 
gence and consecration. Amen. 



XIII 

Prayers for Missions 



XIII 

Prayers for Missions 

DEAR LORD, when I think of 
Thy great continents here on 
earth, and of the children who live 
in them and do not know Thee, I am filled 
with a great desire to pray and give and 
labor. O, I thank Thee for the noble 
souls who have told, and are still telling, 
of Thy love to those in the far-away 
lands who have never heard of Thee. I 
bless Thee that Thou hast Thy saints still 
who are bravely giving their lives to Thee 
and Thy children. Make me more earnest 
in prayer. Give me larger faith and more 
enduring courage. Wash all Thy children 
in that precious blood which alone can make 
them white. Give me strength, even the 
strength of Thy love, which can never fail. 
Shine upon me, that Thy beauty may be 
seen even in things hard and bitter. And 
grant me Thy calm, which shall still all 
wild alarms and fears, and make me full of 
201 



202 Prayers for the Qiiiet Hour 

rest. And at last bring me to that land 
where Thou, the Light of lights, dost shine 
eternally, and where I shall be at peace for- 
ever. Amen. 



Dear Master, my heart is full as I pray 
to Thee. Full of love to Thee for what 
Thou hast done for me. Full of sorrow 
for the dear outcasts, hungry in body and 
spirit, sad and distressed, who are every- 
where. Full of a great desire to help and 
save. O grant me a pitying heart, that I 
may tenderly deal with Thy dear wander- 
ing children. Give me Thy words to speak 
to them, that I offend not with my human 
lips. And lead them home, dear Master, 
lead them home from the far-away places, 
that they may rest at Thy feet, and be 
happy forever. Amen and Amen. 



My dear Christ, whose message is for 
all, the heathen and the civilized, the peas- 
ant and the king, and whose mercy has 
brought the truth even to the far-off isles 
of the sea, I thank Thee for the good ex- 



Prayers for Missions 203 

amples of all the noble missionaries who 
have labored in Thy cause. May I labor, 
too, as I may for the same holy end. Teach 
me my personal relationship to Thee. May 
my speech be sanctified by Thy truth. Let 
me bring all of myself, just as I am, to Thee 
for Thy use. And then let me find Thee 
and serve Thee everywhere and in every- 
thing. So shall the islands teach me Thy 
lesson, and the converted heathen enlarge 
my living and my love. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



O my Christ, forgive me that in my self- 
ish life I have forgotten my brothers and 
sisters all over the world. Teach me to be 
consistent, to be true, to practise what I be- 
lieve. Help me to be a brother to all men, 
and never to suffer anything to break the 
bonds which Thou hast created by birth 
and by redemption. Let me hear their 
cries and pray for them, as by the products 
of their toil they are daily brought near to 
me; let me not eat and wear and enjoy, 
and yet forget ! Bless all men, I beseech 
Thee, and may they love Thee, and serve 



204 Prayers for the £>uiet Hour 

Thee, and at last behold with joy Thy 
coming. So shall we reign with Thee, one 
people, one flock, one Shepherd, forever. 
Amen. 



Dear, dear Christ, it is sweet to min- 
ister unto others, for so we minister unto 
Thee. O open mine eyes and my heart, 
that I may see and feel; and make me 
brave, that I may act ; and make me lov- 
ing, that I may do all in Thy name. And 
may the world be a better place and hearts 
be happier because I have lived. For Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 



Dear, dear Jesus, who Thyself didst live 
a lonely life amongst men, that Thou might- 
est save them and make them a part of 
Thy great kingdom, bless all we try to do 
for Thee in bringing the heathen to Thee 
and to a knowledge of Thy love. Help me 
to live myself as one bound to Thee and 
nourished by Thee. Let me seek refuge 
in all storms and adversities under the 
shadow of Thy wings. Let me learn that 



Prayers for Missions 205 

heavenly language that shall make clear to 
me all the workings of Thy dear wisdom. 
May my one desire in life be to bring men 
to Thee. However separated they may be 
in their lives, however beset by trials, how- 
ever ignorant and wicked, O may my life 
be spent in telling them of the Father, 
whose children they are, of the Christ who 
can save in all sorrows, of the Spirit who 
can teach the highest truth. Then at last 
all the world shall worship Thee, and the 
lives of men everywhere shall find fellow- 
ship and comfort and peace in Thee. Amen, 
dear Lord. Amen. 



Help me, dear Master, to be a mission- 
ary, drawn to Thy children by my desire 
to help. And, that my work may be 
blessed, help me to follow Thine example 
in all things, for Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Lord of the harvest, I thank 
Thee that Thou art still living and working 
amongst men. I know Thy kingdom is 



206 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

coming. And, while it may seem to me 
very slow in its progress, help me to see 
how Thou art working, and let me work 
with Thee. And then let me rejoice at last 
in that great feast of ingathering, when Thy 
saints shall be revealed and the angels shall 
sing " Harvest-home." Amen. 



Dear Master, make me a true Christian, 
living for others and serving my neighbors 
in their need. Let me follow Thy example, 
going from house to house, entering into 
the life and trials of my fellows, helping 
them and praying for them, and telling 
them the gospel story. So shall I forward 
Thy kingdom and save men, for Thee and 
through Thee, dear Christ. Amen. 



Dear Lord, who hast made of one blood 
all nations of men, teach me the sin of 
neglect, that I may not forget my duty to 
those from foreign lands who live near me. 
I thank Thee for our schools, and for those 
noble men and women who are glad to live 
in the midst of the needy. I thank Thee 



Prayers for Missions 207 

for churches and worship, and all that 
manifests Thee to men. But O, teach me 
to give myself to the ignorant and home- 
less. Let me see what I myself can do to 
make men better. Then I am sure my 
words and my service will be of Thee and 
receive Thy blessing. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I do long for Thy kingdom, 
that all Thy children may have rest in 
knowing and loving Thee. O show me 
how my love may bring men to Thy love. 
Inspire all I do with Thy spirit of truth. 
And may all Thy children serve Thee 
with their whole heart. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



Dear Christ, I thank Thee for the good 
examples of all Thy servants. By them 
Thou hast quickened my dull senses and my 
slow actions. Like them may I be quick 
to hear Thy call even at my own door and 
by my side. Let me do all things, for those 
near at hand and those far away, with a 
ready heart. Let me trust men, and trust 



208 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

Thee that I may find a ground for my con- 
fidence in men. So shall I do something 
for Thy kingdom's coming and my life shall 
not be a failure. Bless me, dear Lord, 
and guide me, for Thine own dear sake. 
Amen. 



O dear Lord, I love Thy message. Send 
me, I pray Thee, to deliver it. Whether 
to a large city or to some single soul, 
let me tell the old story of Thy love. And, 
that I may tell it rightly, fill me with love 
for Thee, that out of the abundance of my 
heart's joy I may speak a word in season. 
Amen. 



O dear Lord, I thank Thee for what is 
to be, for the better Christianity coming, 
for the stronger, truer followers who are to 
glorify Thee and seek to bring Thy king- 
dom. Grant me some share in the training 
that is fitting Thy children thus to serve 
Thee. May my religion be a deep love for 
Thee manifested in an earnest effort to has- 
ten the coming of Thy kingdom of right- 



Prayers for Missions 209 



eousness. Teach me that true brotherhood 
of spirit which is to bind all men together. 
Make me eager to lead men to Thee, and 
to give all I have and all I am to Thy 
blessed service. And so make me one of 
Thy teachers, that Thy truth may be glori- 
fied amongst men throughout the world. 
For Thine own dear sake. Amen. 



Dear Lord, I would answer Thy call, 
and I thank Thee for Thy need of me. O 
let me be loyal to Thee and Thy standard. 
In all humility, yet in all bravery, let me 
work for Thee as I have never worked be- 
fore. Patient under criticism, calm in the 
heat of contest, trustful when the day seems 
lost, may I never lose sight of Thy cross 
going on before ; may I never stop or rest 
until Thy kingdom has come. For Thy 
help I pray ; for Thy guidance I plead ; for 
Thyself in me I implore. Amen. Amen. 



XIV 

Prayers for Special Occasions 



XIV 

Prayers for Special Occasions 

NEW YEAR'S DAY 

DEAR LORD, I am not afraid if I 
have Thee. I turn from the past 
because I leave it with Thee, for 
Thou only canst wash away its stain and 
make it beautiful, Thou only canst make 
its crooked efforts straight and its rough 
places smooth. I set Thee before me as I 
enter the year, untrodden as yet by human 
foot, but all full of the traces of Thy divine 
feet, and rich with the experiences Thou 
hast prepared for me. I fear not to go where 
Thou hast led the way. I rejoice to hasten 
out that I may feel Thee near in the sur- 
prises that Thou who hast gone before hast 
made ready for me. Only keep me, dear 
King and Master, full of faith, that I go not 
blindly; full of hope, that I toil not ig- 
norantly ; full of love, that my heart may 
be in all that I am and in all that I do. 
Make this year the best of all my years be- 
213 



214 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

cause so richly consecrated. Make it a 
year of goodness and usefulness, that lonely 
hearts may be glad for my living, and sad 
hearts take courage from me, and sinful 
lives be redeemed by my efforts. And 
when all my earthly years are ended, take 
me to those eternal years where I shall still 
find Thee and rejoice in Thee forever. 
Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. 



Dear Lord of the ages, and King of 
this new year, as I look to Thee, all things 
seem new, and even my old and worn and 
broken life seems transformed. I thank 
Thee for the new birth and the new life to 
which it leads. Grant me grace to keep my 
position always, even in the midst of press- 
ing evils and temptations. Give me a clearer 
vision of Thee and of all Thou hast for me 
to do. Mark my way plainly before me, 
and let me not be disappointed of my 
hope. Then, knowing myself to be Thine 
now and Thine forever, I will praise 
Thee and love Thee here and hereafter. 
Amen. 



Special Occasions 215 

CHRISTMAS DAY 
Come, O Thou Prince of peace, enter my 
heart and quiet all these wild alarms. Let 
me know how Thou art working, and give 
myself in quietness to Thine eternal guid- 
ance. Pour into my soul Thy dear old 
Christmas message. Let me hear the 
anthem as it spreads over all the earth, and 
let me help the music onward, till the world 
echoes my heart's song, which echoes the 
angels' carol, which echoes Thy decree, 
Peace on the earth ! Amen, blessed Christ. 
Amen. 



O little Child of Bethlehem, come to 
me and tell me the story of life at this holy 
Christmastide. Take all I am and all I 
have, and make me like to Thyself. And, 
when these times of consecrated love are 
ended, let me see Thee still as my Brother 
and my Guide, leading me to Thy home 
and Thy joy. Amen. 



Dear Master, still the blessed Child of 
Bethlehem, though King of glory on Thy 



2 1 6 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

throne, I ask Thee to keep my spirit young 
and true, that all my days may be bright- 
ened by the glory from Thy wondrous birth. 
By all Thy love for me draw me to Thyself, 
and let me never forget Thee. Amen. 



GOOD FRIDAY 
Dear King and Saviour, my King and 
my Saviour, who hast redeemed me, how 
can I bless Thee for all Thy mercy ? I love 
to watch by the cross and see Thee as Thou 
dost work my salvation. Each moment is 
precious ; each word of Thine is a message 
to me. O, I do thank Thee for Thine in- 
terest in me, for Thy personal service in 
touching my sin-stained humanity, for Thy 
great and complete salvation, and for Thy 
rich providing for me that I go not astray 
again. Lord, I love Thy cross ; and, bow- 
ing beneath it, I here dedicate myself to 
Thee. I will, by Thy grace, serve others 
even as Thou hast served me. I will seek 
the sick and wounded and sad, and help 
them in Thy name. Give me Thy grace 
and Thy peace, that I may never forget 



Special Occasions 217 

what Thou hast done. May Thy cross be 
my glory and my comfort all through life, 
and my song forever when I see Thee face 
to face. Amen. Amen. 



My Master and my Friend, I worship 
Thee and I bless Thee for all Thou hast 
done for me and for the world. I bow be- 
fore Thy cross, deep in adoration. For 
here I find my faith with its unfailing foun- 
dation ; here I learn to look up and see the 
vision ; here I find my heart growing tender 
and compassionate through Thine own 
abounding love ; and here I find my zeal 
enkindled to do the work Thou hast placed 
before me. O make Thy cross not only 
my hiding-place and the glory of my 
freedom from sin and grief and doubt, but 
also the inspiration to nobler living and 
more blessed service. I would take Thy 
cross with me, dear King. Bind it upon 
my shoulders, — I care not for its seeming 
weight, for it is light indeed, — and let me 
carry it after Thee, and let it glow with 
brightness until I come to Thy perfect day. 
Amen and Amen, 



2 1 8 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

EASTER DAY 
My Lord and my God, Thou who hast 
died that Thou mightest conquer death, 
and who hast sent Thine angels to carry 
Thy message before Thee, open mine eyes 
and my heart this Easter Day, that I may 
sing and trust. Let Thine angel of Life 
lead me to new living. May Thine angel 
of Patience make me strong to endure. 
Send Thine angel of Pain when Thou wilt, 
for his wounds are precious ; and let Thine 
angel of Joy sing for me the anthems I 
am too feeble and ignorant to utter. Above 
all, O Jesus, rise Thou within me, and 
make my old, hard life leap to glory and 
strength. Be Thou my risen King now, 
and forevermore. Amen. 



O risen Christ, my Friend, my Re- 
deemer, let me rise with Thee into a new- 
ness of life from which all terror and sin 
and doubt shall depart. Give me new 
courage, new love for Thee, new strength 
to do my work, and new visions of heaven. 
Touch my eyes, that I may see the gates 



Special Occasions 219 

of death opened, and my ears, that I may 
hear the songs of the redeemed ; and give 
me Thy blessing of peace now and for- 
evermore. Amen. 



O risen Christ, who hast gained the 
eternal victory of life over death, and in 
whom all men are victorious, I bless Thee 
for Thy goodness even as I adore Thee for 
Thy glory. Give me Thy victory over fear 
and bitterness. Grant me Thy victory over 
sorrow, that in it my poor sorrows may be 
hidden and I be comforted. Make me to 
rise with Thee, and from the other world 
may I hear united with Thy voice the 
voices of those who have risen to life 
through Thee and who can die no more. 
So do Thou be my Easter comfort and my 
Easter joy, dear Jesus. Amen. 



Dear King of glory, I worship Thee 
and rejoice in Thee this day. Thou hast 
made life possible by Thy victory over the 
grave, Thou hast touched each one and 



220 Prayers for the Quiet Hour 

called him to rise with Thee. With Thee, 
Christ, I would arise indeed, to newness 
of life. I beseech Thee, make all things 
new to me. Let the old duties, the old 
work, the old burdens, the old friendships 
be transfigured as Thou dost touch them. 
Let this Easter joy lift me from loneliness 
and weakness and despair to strength and 
beauty and happiness, nevermore to die 
away. I would fain live the risen life, my 
Jesus. Help me by Thy call, by Thy mes- 
sage, by Thy beauty, by Thy goodness, 
to be Thy true child, looking to Thee and 
serving Thee, until at last I see Thee face to 
face. Amen. Amen. 



O my risen Christ, I can but fall at 
Thy precious feet and worship. Thou hast 
risen. All Thy dear story is new as I read 
it. I see Thee as Thou dost leave the 
tomb. I see Thee as Thou dost greet 
Mary. I hear Thy voice as Thou dost say 
to Thy disciples, " Peace be unto you." 
Lift me up with Thine own rising, dear 
Master. Let me know the fulness of life ; 
let me know the glorious hope ; let me live 



Special Occasions 221 

in the new way Thou hast opened. Keep 
me in peace and gladness, in faith and trust, 
in calmness and courage. And when at 
last Thou dost call me, let me be ready 
to meet a Christ I have already known 
and to live a life I have already begun. 
Amen. 



THANKSGIVING DAY 

Blessed King, eternal, loving God, I 
praise and thank Thee for all Thou art 
and for all Thou doest. For harvests, for 
nature's nearness and dearness, for Thine 
own lasting goodness, I would fain magnify 
Thee. Yea, and for the shadows which 
have rested on my way, for my hours of 
grief and loneliness, for my pain and hunger 
of soul, I praise Thee most of all ; for out 
of these have come at length Thy gentlest 
voice and Thy tenderest smile. Let me 
come ever nearer to Thee as Thou art 
near to me, and make me grateful in spirit 
and life, even as I express my gratitude 
in poor human speech. For Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



222 Prayers for the ^uiet Hour 

A BIRTHDAY 

My Father, for all that Thou hast done 
I bless Thee. On this anniversary I look 
backward, and lo ! Thou wert there in 
those past years, though I knew it not. I 
look forward into the days to come, and I 
hear Thy voice saying, " Be not afraid." 
I thank Thee for all the past. For the 
future I praise Thee. And for the present 
I ask Thy help, that through my workings 
and Thy blessings it may form a part of 
that completeness which Thou wilt bring 
at last. For Thou, O Christ, hast died, 
and in Thy will and power all is already 
finished. Amen, my King. Amen. 



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